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

Pollinator Promenade July 11, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us for our SECOND annual Pollinator Promenade! We're celebrating all our friendly pollinators! This fun "run" event features a variety of friendly competitions including:

Speed Walking Race

Pollinator-Themed Costume Contest

Scavenger Hunt

All around our new wildflower prairie!

PLUS, check out info booths and local vendors featuring art, plants, food, and so much more as well as kids activities and FREE face painting!

Register for one/some/all of the fun competitions here https://www.eventeny.com/.../pollinatorpromenade2026-31132

Or be a part of the event by volunteering! Volunteers get FREE t-shirts and food. Sign up to volunteer at https://elkhart.galaxydigital.com/need/?s=1...

For more information about the event, check out cityofelkhartin.gov/pollinator-promenade
Nature Play Day July 16, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Join us once again this summer for our returning Nature Play Days at the Elkhart Environmental Center! This year, we will be hosting the family-friendly programs on two days: Tuesday, June 9th and Thursday, July 16th. Join us on either (or both!) days from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM for activities involving trail exploration, nature crafts, scavenger hunts, and more while spending quality time outdoors with family and friends.

These drop-in play days are FREE and open to kids of all ages. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the program.

Advance registration is required and can be completed at https://www.eventeny.com/company/elkhartenvironmentalcenter/

*The Elkhart Environmental Center is located at 1717 East Lusher Avenue in Elkhart*

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Registration for the Nature Play Day on July 16th can be found at https://www.eventeny.com/events/nature-play-day-july-30696/
Elkhart Environmental Center's 35th Anniversary & Movie Night July 18, 2026 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
It’s our 35^th Anniversary and we want to celebrate with the community!

Join us for a special celebration and movie night on Saturday, July 18^th at the Elkhart Environmental Center! We will be hosting two outdoor showings of Disney Pixar’s “Hoppers” – the first in Spanish from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM and the second in English from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Plan to bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs to enjoy the film.

In addition to the movie, enjoy FREE face painting, cake, and popcorn!

No registration is required and it is FREE to attend.
A Walk in the Woods August 05, 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 August 05, 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.

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