The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is holding its 2^nd annual Winter Green Celebration from 4 to 8 PM on Saturday, December 14. Once again it is loaded with activities for all ages. Visitors may paddle a canoe through the mangrove trails dripping with twinkling holiday lights. They can stroll along Indian River County’s first and only StoryWalk®, a trail lined with pages from a children’s storybook about a young boy spending winter in Florida. There will be a high tech, geocaching treasure hunt with the help of Global Positioning System (GPS) units. Plus, children can create and take home a holiday ornament made from recycled materials. Visitors won’t want to miss the stunning illumination of the native plant garden. The Discovery Station filled with environmental exhibits, aquariums, and Touch Tank, will be open, too.

Christmas caroling will be provided by the Osceola Singers from 5:30 – 6:15pm, Beachland Shark Singers from 6:30 – 7:15pm, and the Sebastian River Middle School Madrigal Choir from 7:30 – 8:00pm. And a ho, ho, ho will echo the grounds when Santa makes his appearance.

WinterGreen NightLights is free with paid general admission which is $5 per person. Children 12 and under are free, and ELC members receive free admission year-round. Parking is free.

ELC’s gift shop is extending its hours during the WinterGreen event to remain open for shopping. The shop proudly sells eco-friendly merchandise many of which are made in the USA. Jewelry, books, unusual lamps, beach toys for children, hostess gifts, and eco-games fill this all volunteer run gift shop. Proceeds from the sales support the many educational programs conducted for children and people of all ages at the ELC.

The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach off County Road 510 at the western end of the Wabasso Bridge. Its campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop, and visitor center. ELC membership benefits, a list of its many ecology adventures about the Indian River Lagoon including nature walks, canoe excursions, and boating adventures can be found at www.DiscoverELC.org. Admission is $5 per person, children 12 and under free, and ELC members receive free admission year-round. The first Saturday of every month is free to all. ELC is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm, Saturday from 9 to 4pm and Sunday from 1 to 4pm.