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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

  • A Walk in the Woods June 03, 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 June 03, 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.
  • Kids Free Fishing Clinic June 06, 2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    The Free Fishing Clinic is put together by the Elkhart Environmental Center, Elkhart Parks & Recreation, and Public Works Aquatic Biology Departments.
     
    Ideal for ages 7+, this clinic features a series of stations to teach kids the important aspects of fishing, such as: stewardship, conservation, safety & casting, knot tying, and basic tackle. Kids who complete the clinic will receive a free rod and reel (while supplies last) and can stick around the pond to get some experience, or check out live fish from the Elkhart River by our Aquatic Biology Department.
     
    For details about the event, visit https://cityofelkhartin.gov/fishing-clinic
    To volunteer for the event, visit https://elkhart.galaxydigital.com/need/index?s=1&need_init_id=12084?s=1&need_init_id=12084 
  • EnviroFest August 21, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Join the Elkhart Environmental Center for our 29th annual EnviroFest event!
     
    EnviroFest is the region’s largest environmental festival with: vendor and exhibitor booths by environmental/sustainable businesses and organizations, food vendors, silent auction, kids area, local beer tent, and more!
     
    To become a vendor, apply online by July 24 at https://www.eventeny.com/events/envirofest-30267/
     
    The event is FREE this year! Join us for:
    • Kids Entertainment by Indiana Wild
    • Rock climbing wall
    • Kids Area
    • Water slide
    • Booths by a variety of businesses and organizations with fun activities and useful resources
    • Silent auction
    • Local food vendors
    Volunteers: Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last), free food throughout their shift(s), and a free ticket to the event. To volunteer, sign up at https://elkhart.galaxydigital.com/need/?s=1...
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

Send us a message!

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