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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

  • Bird Hike June 11, 2026 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    Birders of a feather, go birding together!
     
    Spend your morning with us on a birding walk on June 11th from 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM at the EEC.
     
    Join a staff member and fellow birders as we walk around the EEC and look for birds. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the EEC (limited quantity). Come when you want and leave when you need to!
     
    These FREE bird walks will be offered quarterly throughout the year (March, June, September, and December 2026).

    Advanced registration for the March Bird Walk is encouraged by June 8th.
     
    To register, go to https://www.eventeny.com/.../birding-hike-june-2026-28897/
  • Hummingbird Banding with Allen Chartier June 27, 2026 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    We’re welcoming back guest speaker Allen Chartier this summer for another exciting program all about some of our most beloved summertime visitors – hummingbirds!
     
    Join us at the Elkhart Environmental Center on Saturday, June 27th from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM to enjoy a presentation by Allen, Project Director for the Great Lakes HummerNet, covering the HummerNet research project and how you can contribute your hummingbird sightings to it, hints on how to attract and feed hummingbirds at your home, tips on how to make your garden hummingbird-friendly, and more. Following the presentation, Allen will also provide a LIVE banding demonstration with hummingbirds he is able to catch at the EEC!
     
    Tickets start at $10 per person. Advance registration is limited and required by Tuesday, June 23rd. To save your spot, please visit https://www.eventeny.com/.../hummingbirdbandingwithallen.../
     
    Recommended for ages 12+.
  • A Walk in the Woods July 01, 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 July 01, 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 July 01, 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!
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