Elkhart Environmental Center

"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
eecmail@coelkhartindiana.org (map)

The Elkhart Environmental Center was not always a pretty site. During the time period of 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.

Department News

• Fall 2009 Environmental Division Volunteer Brochure
  Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
  Are you looking for an opporunity to help the environment? If so please check out the Environmental Division's Fall Volunteer brochure to discover ways you can help your community and environment.
  
• 2009-2010 Environmental Education Brochure
  Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
  The Elkhart Environmental Division offers hands-on, environmental curriculum for Elkhart Community and Concord Schools. Curricula are available for grades kindergarten through sixth on topics such as recycling, water conservation, and the benefits of trees.
  
• Green Building Series Flyer
  Published: Thursday, August 13, 2009
  Have you wanted to learn more about alternative green building methods but didn't know where to start? The Elkhart Environmental Center will hold a three part series the second Tuesdays of September, October and November. The seminars are free. To register or for more information please call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 293-5070.
  
• 2009 Spring Green Gazette
  Published: Monday, March 09, 2009
  Want to learn about what's going on with Elkhart's Environmental Division? Open this up to discover what's happening!
  

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