City of Elkhart, Indiana

Elkhart Environmental Center

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"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold

Elkhart Environmental Center Open Hours: Business Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM Cabin Open: Saturdays 1:00PM to 4:00PM April to September (closed holidays and holiday weekends) Trails Open Dawn to Dusk Daily
eecmail@coelkhartindiana.org (map)

Trash to Treasure...

The mission of the Elkhart Environmental Center is to preserve, protect, and restore the environment and to promote environmental responsibility to the public through education, habitat enhancement, community services, and outreach.

EEC Garbage Dump The Elkhart Environmental Center was not always a pretty site. During 1959 to 1972, the area was operated as the Lusher Avenue city dump. Initial plans for rehabilitating the area were conceptualized in 1984. With leadership from the Mayor's Office and under the direction of the Department of Public Works, ideas were solidified. Partnerships were formed with the University of Notre Dame and Elkhart Community Schools.

Through these partnerships and with the cooperation of numerous city departments, site development began in 1989. That year, clay clapping was initiated and the first constructed wetland was created. In addition, an environmental education program was launched to teach "EnviroKids" the many aspects of environmental stewardship.

In 1991, the Martin Foundation, a charitable division of NIBCO, generously donated funds for the construction of a log cabin education center. In August of that year, the Center was officially dedicated to the people of Elkhart. With a new permanent education facility and habitat reconstruction well underway, the Elkhart Environmental Center was poised to expand its role in the community. Today it has many well established environmental services and programs in operation. In addition, it is a now a beautiful site to hike along the Elkhart River or meander through the woods and small prairie areas.

Come and visit our trails and cabin today!

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Department News

2012 State of the City Address
Published: Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Mayor Moore's 5th Annual State of the City speech.
2012 Elkhart Environmental Center Community Garden Contract
Published: Friday, February 17, 2012
If you are short on space in your yard or live in an apartment but still want to grow your own vegetables and flowers then sign up for a community garden plot at the Elkhart Environmental Center. Spaces are also available at Hudson Sterling Community Garden, the Airport Community Garden and raised bed plots at the old LaBour Pump Site.
2012 Hudson Sterling Community Garden Contract
Published: Friday, February 17, 2012
If you are short on space in your yard or live in an apartment but still want to grow your own vegetables and flowers then sign up for a garden plot at the Hudson Sterling Community Garden. Plots are also available at the Airport Community Garden, the Elkhart Environmental Center and raised bed plots at the old LaBour Pump Site.
2012 Airport Community Garden Contract
Published: Thursday, February 16, 2012
If you are short on space in your yard or live in an apartment but still want to grow your own vegetables and flowers then sign up for a garden plot at the Airport Community Garden. Spaces are also available at the Hudson Sterling Community Garden, the Elkhart Environmental Center and raised bed plots at the old LaBour Pump site.