City of Elkhart, Indiana

Public Programs and Events

  

Science and Stories: Diggin Dinos
Saturday, August 28th at 2:00pm

Does your little one like science and can't get enough of the bedtime stories you read?  Join scientists, Michelle and Melanie, at the Elkhart Environmental Center on Saturday, August 28th for Science and Stories.  All children ages 6-10 and those of us young at heart are welcome to attend.  Every month participants will enjoy story time and a science experiment lead by the Michelle and Melanie.  This month we will be discovering the wonders of dinosaurs.  The fun begins at 2:00pm.  All supplies will be provided.  A $3 donation per child is appreciated.  Space is limited, please call to register.  If you feel like trying something new, head on down to the Elkhart Environmental Center for Science and Stories.  Please call 293-5070 for more information or to register.

 

A Swift Night Out

Friday, September 10th to 12th

A SWIFT NIGHT OUT is a continent-wide effort to raise awareness about and encourage interest in chimney swifts by counting the little "flying cigars" as they circle over their roost in a loose vortex of fluttering wings and then drop one by one into the chimney.  To get involved with the count check out http://www.chimneyswifts.org/.  Once there, click on "A Swift Night Out" to find out how to participate.  Please be sure to record and send in your results. 

Fall Plant Exchange

Saturday, September 11th at 2:00pm

Calling all plant lovers!  The Elkhart Environmental Center is hosting its annual Fall Plant Exchange on Saturday, September 11 at 2:00pm.  Bring your perennials, shrubs, trees and bulbs and exchange them with other gardeners.  Everyone is welcome.  Plants must be healthy, potted in soil, and properly watered.  Please limit the amount of plants that you bring.  You will receive the amount of plants that you bring.  Call 574-293-5070 for more information.
 
Meditation Yoga w/ Ray of Light Holistic Health, Inc.
Monday, September 13th at 5:30pm
FULL

St. Joseph River Clean Up
Saturday, September 18th from 9:30am to 3:00pm
Join the Elkhart Environmental Division for the 15th annual St. Joseph River Clean-Up!  On Saturday, September 18th from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, volunteers will be in canoes and on the riverbanks collecting trash and litter.  The clean-up will begin at Island Park in Elkhart and end 3.5 miles downstream at McNaughton Park. Lunch will be provided and return transportation will be available for volunteers.  Be sure to wear close-toed shoes and dress for outdoor service. Registration for the St. Joseph River Clean-Up is strongly encouraged, but not required.  To register, or for more information, please call 574-293-5070.  We'll see you on the river!
 

Science & Stories:  Fascinating Fire

Saturday, September 18 at 2pm

Does your little one like science and can't get enough of the bedtime stories you read?  Join scientists, Michelle and Melanie, at the Elkhart Environmental Center on Saturday, September 18th for Science and Stories.  All children ages 6-10 and those of us young at heart are welcome to attend.  Every month participants will enjoy story time and a science experiment lead by the Michelle and Melanie.  This month we will be safely discovering the wonders of fire.  The fun begins at 2:00pm.  All supplies will be provided.  A $3 donation per child is appreciated.  Space is limited, please call to register.  If you feel like trying something new, head on down to the Elkhart Environmental Center for Science and Stories.  Please call 293-5070 for more information or to register.

 

Reflexology Workshop

Tuesday, September 21st at 6pm

Did you know that all of your nervous system is connected?  By massaging pressure points in your feet and hands you can positively affect different parts of your body.  Are you interested to learn how to do this?  You can at the Elkhart Environmental Center on Tuesday, September 21st at 6:00pm.  Christina Acosta from Ray of Light Holistic Health, Inc. will be leading a workshop on reflexology, teaching pressure points that can help you to feel your best.  Christina is a certified reflexologist and will give participants the beginning tools to guide them toward a healthier mental and physical lifestyle.  You can call and register for this free program at 293-5070.  We hope to see you there.

 

Let's Get Batty Preschool Prowl

Thursday, September 23rd at 11am

Fall is here and so let's get batty!  Do just that by bringing your preschooler to the Elkhart Environmental Center for the Let's Get Batty! preschool prowl on Thursday, September 23rd from 11:00am to 12:00pm.  Your child will have fun learning facts about bats, some characteristics of bats and why they are important through stories, crafts and games.  We will also take a hike around the Elkhart Environmental Center.  Preschool prowls are for children ages 3 to 5.  A $3 donation is suggested and registration is encouraged.  To register, call 293-5070.  We hope to see you for some fun with our flying friends.

 

EEC Community Garden Prep Day*

Thursday, October 14th at 5:00pm

The growing season is nearing an end and the Elkhart Environmental Center needs your help to help clean up the EEC Community Garden on Thursday, October 14th at 5pm.  If you enjoy gardening, service or getting your hands in the dirt this is a perfect way to help your community.  If you are interested in gardening in 2011 this is also a great way to get familiar with the gardens and your fellow gardeners.  Please come dressed for the weather and to get your hands dirty. If you have any questions or are interested in a garden plot, please call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 293-5070.

 

Hudson Sterling Community Garden Clean Up!*
Friday, October 15th from 9am - 12pm

Groups and individuals are needed for the Hudson Sterling Community Garden Clean Up on Friday, October 15th, 2010 to prepare the Hudson-Sterling Community Garden for the winter and the 2011 growing season. We will be preparing the Hudson-Sterling Community Garden from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. All current gardeners are required to attend as well as anyone else who enjoys getting their hands dirty. Please come dressed for the weather. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 574-293-5070.

 

2010 Airport Community Garden Clean Up!*
Saturday, October 16th from 9am - 1pm
Fall is near and it is time to begin to prepare Elkhart's community gardens for the winter.  On Saturday, October 16, the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division is looking for volunteers who will help harvest produce that will be donated to a local food pantry, weed, till and spread a cover crop in preparation for the garden's winter break.  If you enjoy these things, the outdoors, spending time in the soil or with fellow gardeners this is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for you.  This is also a great time to share garden stories, learn about gardening, meet new people, and to give back to the Elkhart community.  We will be cleaning the Airport Community Garden from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. All interested gardeners are encouraged to attend this clean up. Please come dressed for the weather and to get your hands dirty. If you have any questions or are interested in a garden plot, please call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 574-293-5070.
 

Science & Stories:  Silly Slime

Sunday, October 17 at 2pm

Does your little one like science and can't get enough of the bedtime stories you read?  Join scientists, Michelle and Melanie, at the Elkhart Environmental Center on Sunday, October 17th for Science and Stories.  All children ages 6-10 and those of us young at heart are welcome to attend.  Every month participants will enjoy story time and a science experiment lead by the Michelle and Melanie.  This month we will be learning about ooey, gooey slime to celebrate Halloween.  The fun begins at 2:00pm.  All supplies will be provided.  A $3 donation per child is appreciated.  Space is limited, please call to register.  If you feel like trying something new, head on down to the Elkhart Environmental Center for Science and Stories.  Please call 293-5070 for more information or to register.
 

Organization for Bat Conservation Program

Sunday, October 24th at 2pm

Halloween is right around the corner and everyone is getting in the spirit getting our their creepy, crawlies and gools and goblins.  The Elkhart Environmental Center is in the spirit too!  On Sunday, October 24th we will be hosting a live bat program with the Organization for Bat Conservation.  Participants can learn about bats and how essential they are to the ecosystem.  The program starts at 2:00pm at the Elkhart Environmental Center.  Registration is required.  Adults are $10 and children are $5.  Space is limited so sign up early.  If you are interested in attending this great program you can call 574-293-5070 to register.  Happy Halloween!

America Recycles Day Fall Fest & Pumpkin Smash*
Saturday, November 6 from 1pm to 4pm
Celebrate the fall season and recycling.  You and your family can enjoy games, crafts and entertainment.  Don't forget to bring your pumpkin to smash, plastic bags and recycling.
 
Science & Stories:  Can You Hear It?  Sound
Sunday, November 14th at 2pm
Does your little one like science and can't get enough of the bedtime stories you read?  Join scientists, Michelle and Melanie, at the Elkhart Environmental Center on Sunday, November 14th for Science and Stories.  All children ages 6-10 and those of us young at heart are welcome to attend.  Every month participants will enjoy story time and a science experiment lead by the Michelle and Melanie.  This month we will be learning about the power of sound and how important it is.  The fun begins at 2:00pm.  All supplies will be provided.  A $3 donation per child is appreciated.  Space is limited, please call to register.  If you feel like trying something new, head on down to the Elkhart Environmental Center for Science and Stories.  Please call 293-5070 for more information or to register.
 

Recycled Snow Globes

Saturday, December 4th at 1pm

Do you get excited to decorate for the holidays?  Do you like to find special ways to spruce up your home?  The Elkhart Environmental Center is celebrating the holiday season by holding a recycled snow globe workshop.  Participants can create a decorative holiday snow globe for their home out of recycled jars.  The workshop takes place on Saturday, December 4th at 1:00pm.  Supplies will be provided.  A $5 donation per snow globe made is appreciated.  Space is limited. For more information or to register call 574-293-5070. 

 

Natural Ornaments Workshop

Saturday, December 11th at 1pm

Join the Elkhart Environmental Center on Saturday, December 11th at 1:00pm as we get creative making Christmas ornaments from pine cones, teasel, milk weed pods and other natural items.  Each participant will complete at least six ornaments to take home for the tree.  All supplies are provided, but please feel free to bring any additional natural items from your yard that you have to share.  Space is limited and pre registration is required.  The fee is $8 per person.  Please call 293-5070 for more information or to register.
 
Science & Stories:  Get into Space
Sunday, December 12th  at 2pm

Does your little one like science and can't get enough of the bedtime stories you read?  Join scientists, Michelle and Melanie, at the Elkhart Environmental Center on Sunday, November 14th for Science and Stories.  All children ages 6-10 and those of us young at heart are welcome to attend.  Every month participants will enjoy story time and a science experiment lead by the Michelle and Melanie.  This month we will be learning about the mysteries of space.  The fun begins at 2:00pm.  All supplies will be provided.  A $3 donation per child is appreciated.  Space is limited, please call to register.  If you feel like trying something new, head on down to the Elkhart Environmental Center for Science and Stories.  Please call 293-5070 for more information or to register.

 
* Events marked with an asterisk are community service opportunities where volunteers are needed! If you have large groups who wish to participate such as scout troops, service groups or students needing service, please give us a call ahead of time!

Click on the City of Elkhart's What's Happening/Events Calendar for more information on public programs and special events at the Elkhart Environmental Center and other places throughout the City of Elkhart.

News & Notices

  • Summer 2010 Green Gazette
    Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010
    The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.
  • Elkhart Environmental Center Biennial Report
    Published: Friday, March 19, 2010
    Check out all of the accomplishment's of the Elkhart Environmental Center over the last two year. Discover how many people were reached, our partners and much more.
  • Adopt-A-Trail Map for Boot Lake Nature Preserve
    Published: Tuesday, March 09, 2010
    Interested in making a difference in your community while getting outside? You can adopt-a-trail in the City of Elkhart. Volunteers will maintain trails at Boot Lake, the Elkhart Environmental Center, Woodlawn Nature Preserve or the River Green Way. For more information call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 574-293-5070.
  • Spring 2010 Green Gazette
    Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010
    The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.

Related Pages

Contact Us

Environmental Utility Coordinator:
Megan Kolaczyk
1717 East Lusher Avenue
Elkhart, IN 46516
  • Telephone Number: (574) 293-5070

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