Programs | City of Elkhart

Programs

Environmental/Sustainability Programs

The Elkhart Environmental Center offers a variety of programs for adults, kids, and families throughout the year!

Learn new skills or discover a new hobby in one of our workshops. Our staff host a variety of programs throughout the year--some are so popular we hold them twice! Join us for crafts, holiday celebrations, guest speakers, demonstrations, and more.

Don't see something that fits your interests? Let us know! We're always looking to add new programs.

Details for upcoming programs can be found on our Facebook page or registration site.

Download our Monthly Program Flyer to see what's happening at the EEC all month long!

Monthly Program Flyer

Family building a rain barrel at program at EEC

Group studying macroinvertebrates at program at EEC

Group making bat house at program at EEC

Group making upcycled wind chimes at program at EEC

Volunteers helping assemble wood duck box at program at EEC

Family making crafts at Eco-Valentine's Day program at EEC

Participants making bird houses at program at EEC

Group making concrete leaf casting at program at EEC

Fabrics dyed with natural resources at program at EEC

Participants choosing supplies for Hummingbird Yard Art program at EEC

Family enjoying crafts at Nature Play Day program at the EEC

Kid playing in mud kitchen at Nature Play Day program at EEC

Upcoming EEC Programs and Events

Pileated Woodpecker Box Workshop February 25, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
If you have had the opportunity to see a Pileated Woodpecker in person, you know just how stunning (and BIG!) birds of this species are. Looking to learn more about these fascinating woodpeckers? Attend our new workshop to do just that! Participants will learn all about the lives and nesting habits of these birds, then build their very own nest box to help attract a mating pair to their property.

Nest box kits are $20 each and limited to one per household. Advance registration is limited and required by Sunday, February 22nd. To register, please visit https://www.ticketleap.events/.../elkhart-environmental...

*** Pileated Woodpeckers enjoy areas with mature woodlands and suburban areas with patches of forest – if you reside in or near a space like this, this workshop is a great option for attracting these birds to your property! ***

Interested in learning about and helping these birds, but don’t have the right backyard habitat to build and install your own box? Alternatively, you can attend the workshop for free and build a nest box that will eventually be installed at the EEC. If you choose this option, please select the “Nest Box Kit – EEC Volunteer Build” ticket when registering. Please note, a limited number of these kits are available and must be reserved in advance
Nature Story Hour for Littles March 04, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Our Nature Story Hour for Littles is back for 2026!

Join us at the Elkhart Environmental Center the first Wednesday of every month (March-August) from 10 AM to 11 AM for a program designed especially for little ones! Each hour-long session will include a nature-themed story followed by a related craft/activity.

Dates for our 2026 series are:

March 4th

April 1st

May 6th

June 3rd

July 1st

August 5th

Registration is FREE! Advance registration is limited and must be completed by the Monday prior to each session. To save your spot*, please visit https://events.ticketleap.com/.../elkhart-environmental...

*When registering, please reserve a ticket for all adults and all children in your group!

Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian throughout the program.

Recommended for ages 2-5.

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This registration is for our MARCH program. Registration must be completed by Monday, March 2nd.
Lawn Conversion 101 with The Botany Shop March 08, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ever wondered how YOU can make YOUR lawn into an oasis for wildlife? Want to learn more about native plants and why they are important? Then this is the workshop for you!

Join us in this introductory workshop led by co-founder and CEO of The Botany Shop, Ben Futa. In this workshop, registrants will learn the concept of lawn conversion, what it is/isn't, and how folks can scope their project, analyze their site, establish a budget, and get ready to plant! Ben will also share a variety of alternative lawn options, from clover and low-mow fescue to tapestry lawns, edible landscaping, and designed native plantings. He will guide you through the basics including how to select the best location and size of your new planting, how to budget, and how to prepare a site for new plants. This workshop will be interactive and you’ll leave with a concrete plan of action tailored to you, for whenever you’re ready to take the next step!

Registration is $71.21 (tax included) per person.

Advanced registration is limited and required by Monday, March 2nd.
Lawn Conversion 102 with The Botany Shop March 08, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Ever wondered how YOU can make YOUR lawn into an oasis for wildlife? Want to learn more about native plants and why they are important? Then this is the workshop for you!

Join us in this sequel workshop led by co-founder and CEO of The Botany Shop, Ben Futa. In this workshop, registrants dive in to planting design in greater detail, exploring the fundamentals of planting design so folks can create their own planting patterns at home with ease. Registrants will learn to generate a plant list to suit their site and will explore post-planting essentials for long-term success! Ben will also share some of The Botany Shop's absolute favorite plants and combinations with an emphasis on year-round interest and a seasonal progression of flowers that support local pollinators and wildlife. He will also share essential tools, tips, and techniques that make planting a new alternative lawn a breeze. This workshop will be hands-on and interactive, and you’ll leave with a unique plant list, sources, and planting plan tailored to you, for whenever you’re ready to take the next step!

Registration is $71.21 (tax included) per person.

Advanced registration is limited and required by Monday, March 2nd.
Bird Hike March 12, 2026 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Birders of a feather, go birding together!

Spend your morning with us on a birding walk on March 12th from 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM at the EEC. Join a staff member and fellow birders as we walk around the EEC and look for birds. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the EEC (limited quantity). Come when you want and leave when you need to!

These FREE bird walks will be offered quarterly throughout the year (March, June, September, and December 2026).

Advanced registration is required by March 9th. To register, go to https://events.ticketleap.com/.../elkhart-environmental...

Elkhart Environmental Center

1717 E Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
Phone: 574-293-5070
E-mail: EECmail@coei.org

Staff Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Trail/Grounds Hours: Dawn - Dusk Every Day

Send us a message!