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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

  • Holiday Lights Recycling Collection January 09, 2026 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

    Have unwanted or broken holiday lights that you're looking to get rid of? Redyce your waste this holiday season by recycling them in our annual collection! Lights can be dropped off at the Elkhart Environmental Center any time between November 15th and January 31st. Lights dropped off after hours can be placed in the collection bin on the front porch.

    Questions? Email us at EECmail@coei.org or call 574-293-5070.
  • Upcycled Windchime Workshop January 16, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Back by popular demand! Join us as we take trash and create treasure! Using old glass bottles, we will be creating wind chimes to enjoy this coming spring. There will be secondhand items and craft supplies such as old silverware, beads, buttons, rocks, paint pens, and more for participants to use to make their own unique designs.  Participants are welcome to bring their own items to add to their wind chime and/or their own glass bottle*. (*Please contact the EEC prior to the workshop if you plan to bring a bottle.)
     
    Important Note: Participants will be cutting glass for this workshop. Workshop is limited to those ages 12 and up. 
     
    Registration is $7 per person.
     
    Advanced registration is limited and required by Friday, January 9th. To register visit elkhart-environmental-center.ticketleap.com
  • Birds, Bees, & Beyond: Building a Backyard Habitat January 28, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Shake the winter blues and get excited about getting your garden ready for spring! Whether you live in a house with a big backyard or in a small apartment, there are simple steps you can take to help support local wildlife at home – and, in the process, the environment on a larger scale. Get ideas on how to transform your outdoor space into an area that provides vital resources for insects, birds, and many other critters that bring our backyards to life. In addition to getting home habitat tips, you will also receive a packet of native plant seeds to help develop your wildlife-friendly space.
     
    Registration for this program is $2 per person. Advance registration is limited and required by Sunday, January 25th. To sign up, please visit https://www.ticketleap.events/.../elkhart-environmental...
    Recommended for ages 12+
  • Eco-Valentine's Day February 07, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Come out to the EEC on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 to celebrate Valentine’s Day in an eco-friendly fashion! Between 10 AM and 12 PM, we will be making recycled and nature-themed valentines for friends, family, and wildlife. Enjoy some holiday treats and explore our site in a heart-themed nature scavenger hunt.
     
    This is an open house-style event, so activities will be occurring throughout the event time. Come when you can and leave when you need to! All ages are welcome for this heart-tastic program.
    Advanced registration is limited and required by February 2nd. To register, scan the QR Code or go to https://elkhart-environmental-center.ticketleap.com/
  • Bluebird Box Workshop ~ Session #1 February 18, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    Join us at the Elkhart Environmental Center for our returning Bluebird Box Workshop on one of two nights – Wednesday, February 18th or Thursday, February 19th – to learn all about the habits, nesting, and history of a crowd favorite, the Eastern Bluebird. After hearing about the lives of these beautiful birds, build your very own nest box to attract them to your property! Both workshops will be held from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM on their respective nights; sign up for the evening that works best for you!

     Nest box kits are $7 each and limited to one per household. Advance registration is limited and required by Sunday, February 15th. To register, please visit https://www.ticketleap.events/events/elkhart-environmental-center

     Recommended for ages 8+

Contact Us

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