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Programs

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 eating pretzels at program at EEC
Group studying macroinvertebrates at program at EEC
Bird walking group at program at EEC
Group making bat house at program at EEC
Group making bat house at program at EEC
Group making lip balm 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
oriole feeder workshop
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

  • Easter Egg Hunt April 10, 2026 12:00 AM
    Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is back! Keep an eye out while walking our trails--12 eggs will be hidden beginning April 1. Return your found egg to the Visitor's Cabin during staff hours (Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM) for a prize. Limit 1 egg/prize per family.
     
    Our Easter Egg Hunt will continue through the end of April (or until all eggs are found). Eggs will be hidden off our trails, but you should be able to see them from the trail. No digging or climbing is required--just sharp eyes! We will be posting updates on our Facebook page as the eggs are found.
  • Earth Day 2026 April 25, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Join us for another free, family-friendly Earth Day celebration!

     

    Come enjoy:

    • FREE NATIVE TREE Giveaway
    • Spring Seeds & Starters Plant Exchange
    • LIVE FISH DEMO at City Aquatics Booth
    • Local Food Vendor
    • Kids Activities
    • FREE workshop
    • FREE face painting
    • Delicious food by Rico Suave Food Truck
    …and more!
     
    Find more information at www.cityofelkhartin.gov/Earth-Day, email EECMail@cityofelkhartin.gov or call 574-293-5070.
     
    To volunteer for the event, sign up here: https://elkhart.galaxydigital.com/need/?s=1...
    Volunteers get first pick of trees (limit one per household; must pick up before event) and lunch and snacks provided
  • Earth Day April 25, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Join us for another free, family-friendly Earth Day celebration!
     

    Come enjoy:

    • FREE NATIVE TREE Giveaway
    • Spring Seeds & Starters Plant Exchange
    • LIVE FISH DEMO at City Aquatics Booth
    • Local Food Vendor
    • Kids Activities
    • FREE workshop
    • FREE face painting
    • Delicious food by Rico Suave Food Truck

    …and more!

    Find more information at www.cityofelkhartin.gov/Earth-Day, email EECMail@cityofelkhartin.gov or call 574-293-5070.
    To volunteer for the event, sign up here: https://elkhart.galaxydigital.com/need/?s=1...
    Volunteers get first pick of trees (limit one per household; must pick up before event) and lunch and snacks provided
  • A Walk in the Woods May 06, 2026 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
    Join us in a BRAND NEW program series where we take a walk in the woods at the EEC!
     
    An EEC staff member will lead an informal, easy hike on a trail around the EEC with a different theme/topic in mind.
     
    These FREE hikes will take place the first Wednesday of every month (April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd, July 1st, August 5th, September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd). Hikes start at 8:30 AM at the Pavilion and last an hour. Hikes will occur rain or shine (except in cases of severe weather).
     
    Registration is not necessary, but gives us an idea of how many participants to expect.
    To register, scan the QR code or go to https://www.eventeny.com/events/a-walk-in-the-woods-28732/ 
  • Nature Story Hour for Littles May 06, 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://www.eventeny.com/company/?c=433406&e=28932
    *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.
View All EEC Events

Contact Us

Elkhart Environmental Center

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

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

Send us a message!