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

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.
EnviroFest Committee Meeting August 05, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Help us plan our biggest environmental event of the year! We're looking for anyone who is passionate about the environment and sustainability and enjoys planning events. This committee supports the event by providing feedback and ideas, volunteering, or helping spread the word--however you want to be involved!

Snacks are provided (and you are welcome to bring some to share, if you want!). Bring friends with you!
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...

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