Elkhart Environmental Center

Elkhart Environmental
Center

The Elkhart Environmental Center has been opened to
the public since 1992! This environmental
education facility offers environmental educational
programs, events, and volunteer opportunities for all
citizens as well as a lovely natural area to visit. The EEC has multiple outdoor settings including hiking trails, a boat launch, a variety of ecosystems (such as wetlands, prairies, and forest areas), the Learning Garden, Reflection Grove, boat launch, and more!

.

574-293-5070

EEC Visitor's Cabin

 

Staff Hours: Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM

Trail/Grounds Hours: Open Dawn – Dusk everyday

Elkhart Environmental 
Center

The Elkhart Environmental Center has been opened to the public since 1992! This environmental education facility offers environmental educational
programs, events, and volunteer opportunities for all citizens as well as a lovely natural area to visit. The EEC has multiple outdoor settings including hiking trails, a boat launch, a variety of ecosystems (such as wetlands, prairies, and forest areas), the Learning Garden, Reflection Grove, boat launch, and more!

1717 E. Lusher Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516

(574) 293-5070

EECmail@coei..org

 

EEC Programs & Events Calendar

Events for March

1st

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

2nd

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

3rd

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

4th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

5th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

6th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

7th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

8th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

9th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

10th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

11th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

12th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

13th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

14th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

15th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

16th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

17th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

18th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

19th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

20th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

21st

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

22nd

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

23rd

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

24th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

25th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

26th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

27th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

28th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

29th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

30th

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center
Events for March

31st

Start from: March 1, 2024 - 8:00 am
End at: March 31, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt

Elkhart Environmental Center

Special Events

 

EnviroFest

Second Saturday of August

EnviroFest

The EEC’s biggest event of the year!  Past events have include food vendors, booths, raffle & silent auction, live music, kids’ area and entertainment, beer & wine garden, and more!

Details for 2024 are coming soon!

VIEW MORE

Earth Day

Saturday in April

Earth Day

Free, family-friendly event celebrating our natural, local environment. Includes engaging, environmental educational activities for the whole family and provides free trees for citizens to plant at home and increase our urban canopy.

VIEW MORE

Waggin' in the Woods

Our annual family- and pet-friendly event! Check out pet-friendly vendors, a pooch parade, local food vendors, and so much more!

Last Sunday in September

VIEW MORE

Upcoming Programs & Events

Easter Egg Hunt

Look for painted wooden Easter eggs hidden around the EEC, return the egg to our Visitor’s Cabin (limit 1 egg per family) for a prize! 12 eggs will be hidden throughout the month.

EnviroFest Planning

First Monday of the Month (March- August)

EnviroFest Planning

  • Help us make the next EnviroFest the best one yet! We’re looking for ideas of what YOU’D like to see at the event.
  • Open to the public–join us for free snacks and bring your ideas for a fun event! New-comers welcome!
  • For more info, email EECmail@coei.org. Virtual option available.

Natural Egg Dyeing Workshop

March 24

Natural Egg Dyeing Workshop

Stop by between 12 – 2 PM to try out different natural dyes. Leave with a few of your own projects and recipes to create more at home.
Pre-registration is limited and required by March 20th. Register here.

Solar Eclipse Party

April 8

Solar Eclipse Party

Celebrate the 2024 solar eclipse with us! Enjoy themed snacks and music; eclipse glasses will be provided. All ages are welcome to join in the fun!

Registration $1/person limited and required.

Bat House Workships

April 25 and 26

Bat House Workshop

Learn about the interesting lives of bats, globally and locally, and build your very own bat house to install at home!
Bat house kits $7 each limited 1 per family/group.

Recycled Oriole Feeder Workshop

April 11

Recycled Oriole Feeder Workshop

Make your own oriole bird feeder using recycled materials and learn about the life and habits of orioles with tips on how to support these birds and the local environment. Recommended for ages 8 & older.

Feeder kits cost $5 each limited to one per family/group.

Registration is limited and required by April 9 

Taller de comederos reciclados para Oriole

12 de abril

Taller de comederos reciclados para Oriole

Haga su propio comedero para pájaros oropéndola con materiales reciclados y aprenda sobre la vida y los hábitos de los oropéndolas con consejos sobre cómo apoyar a estas aves y al medio ambiente local. Recomendado para mayores de 8 años.

Los kits de alimentación cuestan $5 cada uno y se limitan a uno por familia/grupo.

River Clean Up

Fall

River Clean Up

If you would like to receive email updates about our River Clean Up events, please email EECmail@coei.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that are suitable for businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals. As part of our environmental education goals, all of our volunteer opportunities are also offered with optional training — interested in learning about a plant or tree ID, environmental management, event planning, or more? Volunteer!

Looking for something specific? Click on our categories below to find what you’re looking for, or call (574) 293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org with any questions.

You can also find details about and sign up for upcoming volunteer opportunities on our SignUp page.

All volunteers are required to fill out and return a volunteer waiver. Copies are available online here or in the Visitor’s Cabin. Waivers for volunteers under the age of 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering.

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that are suitable for businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals. As part of our environmental education goals, all of our volunteer opportunities are also offered with optional training — interested in learning about a plant or tree ID, environmental management, event planning, or more? Volunteer!

Looking for something specific? Click on our categories to find what you’re looking for, or call (574) 293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org with any questions.

You can also find details about and sign up for upcoming volunteer opportunities on our SignUp page.

All volunteers are required to fill out and return a volunteer waiver. Copies are available online or in the Visitor’s Cabin. Waivers for volunteers under the age of 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering.

Adopt-A-Garden

Adopt-A-Garden

Garden adopters help take care of our various gardens onsite. A great activity for individuals AND groups!

Adopt-A-Plot

Adopt-A-Plot

Adopt a plot in our Learning Garden to grow your own fruits, vegetables, flowers! Seeds are available upon request.

Adopt-A-Trail

Adopt-A-Trail

Love walking our trails? Adopt one! Help us keep trails in good condition for visitors and wildlife. Great for groups and individuals!

Quilt Garden

Quilt Garden

Summer (End of May – Mid September)

Help plant and maintain our lovely Quilt Garden once a week. Schedules are flexible, tools provided during staff hours (M – F 8 AM – 5 PM). Interested in learning more? Contact EEC staff at EECmail@coei.org.

EnviroFest Committee Meeting

EnviroFest Committee Meeting

This is our biggest event of the year: help us plan our next EnviroFest!
Help develop: the Silent Auction, the Kids’ Area, educational speakers, zero waste initiatives, and more. Join us for snacks and a monthly meeting on how to make this community event the best it has ever been!
Email EECmail@coei.org for more info.

Dates & Times:

  • 1st Monday of the month (January – August) at 6 PM

Specialty Projects

Specialty Projects

Special legacy projects are great for volunteers or volunteer groups that have the skills/experience to make them happen! If you have ideas a project, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at EECmail@coei.org or call (574) 293-5070 or stop by and visit us!

Anytime

Anytime

If you are interested in bringing a group out to the EEC for a volunteer day, we are happy to schedule this outside of our regular business hours (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM). Please contact EEC staff at EECmail@coei.org or (574) 293-5070.

Education

Field Trips

Field Trips

The Elkhart Environmental Center (EEC) offers a variety of environmental education programming and placed-based learning throughout the year. If you are looking for something specific, we do offer a boutique experience and are happy to cater our programming to your needs. Please contact staff for more information at 574-293-5070 or EECmail@coei.org.

Presentations

Presentations

The Elkhart Environmental Center hosts presentations and speakers throughout the year. If you are interested in presenting a program, we also serve as a host site. Contact EEC staff at 574-293-5070 or EECmail@coei.org.

Stay tuned for updates on any upcoming presentations.

Classroom

Classroom

The EEC offers a variety of environmental education programming–both here at the EEC and wherever we’re needed! Interested in having EEC staff bring an environmental program into your classroom? Contact staff at 574-293-5070 or EECmail@coei.org

ElkhartWood

ElkhartWood

Adopt-A-Garden

Adopt-A-Garden

Garden adopters help take care of our various gardens onsite. A great activity for individuals AND groups!

Adopt-A-Plot

Adopt-A-Plot

Adopt a plot in our Learning Garden to grow your own fruits, vegetables, flowers! Seeds are available upon request.

Adopt-A-Trail

Adopt-A-Trail

Love walking our trails? Adopt one! Help us keep trails in good condition for visitors and wildlife. Great for groups and individuals!

Quilt Garden

Quilt Garden

Summer (End of May – Mid September)

Help plant and maintain our lovely Quilt Garden once a week. Schedules are flexible, tools provided during staff hours (M – F 8 AM – 5 PM). Interested in learning more? Contact EEC staff at EECmail@coei.org.

EnviroFest Committee Meeting

EnviroFest Committee Meeting

UPDATE: Meetings are held at the EEC
This is our biggest event of the year AND the biggest EnviroFest yet: help us plan our 25th EnviroFest for 2022! The goal of EnviroFest is to engage and educate the community on environmental and sustainable initiatives and we want this event to go above and beyond for the 25th anniversary.
Help develop the Raffle & Silent Auction, the theme and entertainment for the Kids’ Area, educational speakers, zero waste initiatives, and more. Join us for snacks and a monthly meeting on how to make this community event the best it has ever been!
Contact EEC staff at EECmail@coei.org for questions.

Dates & Times:

  • 1st Monday of the month (December – August) at 6 PM

Specialty Projects

Specialty Projects

Special legacy projects are great for volunteers or volunteer groups that have the skills/experience to make them happen! If you have ideas a project, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at EECmail@coei.org or call (574) 293-5070 or stop by and visit us!

Anytime

Anytime

If you are interested in bringing a group out to the EEC for a volunteer day, we are happy to schedule this outside of our regular business hours (M-F 8 AM – 5 PM). Please contact EEC staff at EECmail@coei.org or (574) 293-5070.

Education

Field Trips

Field Trips

The Elkhart Environmental Center (EEC) offers a variety of environmental education programming and placed-based learning throughout the year. If you are looking for something specific, we do offer a boutique experience and are happy to cater our programming to your needs. Please contact staff for more information at 574-293-5070 or EECmail@coei.org.

Presentations

Presentations

The Elkhart Environmental Center hosts presentations and speakers throughout the year. If you are interested in presenting a program, we also serve as a host site. Contact EEC staff at 574-293-5070 or EECmail@coei.org.

Stay tuned for updates on any upcoming presentations.

Classroom

Classroom

The EEC offers a variety of environmental education programming–both here at the EEC and wherever we’re needed! Interested in having EEC staff bring an environmental program into your classroom? Contact staff at 574-293-5070 or EECmail@coei.org

Environmental Moment

Environmental Moment

The EEC, sponsored by Borden Waste-Away, presented weekly environmental moment segments on Froggy 102.7. Each segment focused on a single environmental/sustainable topic. Further information and resources about these topics will be returning to our website shortly. If you have any question, please contact EEC staff at 574-293-5070 or EECmail@coei.org.

ElkhartWood

ElkhartWood