Converted
03-22-2006, 06:38 AM
Unfortunately this was last Sunday (3/19) Wish we would have known about it. Did anyone go?
By TONY JUDNICH
tony.judnich@scripps.com
March 14, 2006
WABASSO — The scene will be just ducky at the Environmental Learning Center Sunday afternoon.
That's when the non-profit center's 10th annual EcoFest, with the theme "Celebrating Florida's Ducks," takes place, featuring more than two dozen environmental booths, a chance to talk to birders, scientists and hunters and live music and food. The free event is scheduled to run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and serves as an open house for the center.
Florida is visited by more than 20 species of migratory waterfowl each year and three species of ducks, according to center officials. At EcoFest, people will be able to visit the Florida Master Naturalists' "duck arcade" to learn about the state's wetlands, resident waterfowl and migratory waterfowl species.
And visitors can examine duck feathers, feet and beaks, try to identify different ducks — such as by listening to their quacks — and talk with birders, scientists and hunters.
Also, the festival will have "Eco Art" stations, where visitors can make a variety of hands-on projects to take home. And, as long as the weather holds out, visitors will be able to get a "bird's-eye view" of Mother Nature on a canoe or pontoon boat ride courtesy of Sebastian River Boat Tours. There is limited seating.
Younger visitors will have the chance to play EcoQuest with a chance to win a plush stuffed animal from the center's gift shop.
"There will be a series of five questions," Holly Dill, the center's executive director, said Monday. "The idea is once they participate in five (environmental) booths, they should be able to answer the question. Once each question is answered, they'll get a sticker to put on a card, and then they can drop their card into a basket for the drawing. The idea is we want EcoFest to not only be fun, but an educational effort."
The event also features more than 1,000 "Making a Difference in MY World" art contest entries by local students in kindergarten through fifth grades. All entries will be on display throughout the center's buildings and Joan Edwards, the contest's chairperson, will announce the winners at the festival. Winners receive gift shop gift certificates.
The local band the River Rats will perform and sodas and food, including Greek food, crab cakes and hot dogs, will be on sale.
Several thousands of people usually attend each festival, Dill said.
"It's an ideal way to experience our natural resources in a fun and safe and engaging setting, particularly for families with young children," she said.
EcoFest is organized by a volunteer committee chaired by Tuny Hill, Eileen Salvador and Kathy Smith and has more than 20 local sponsors.
If you go
What: 10th annual EcoFest with the theme, "Celebrating Florida's Ducks."
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Environmental Learning Center, 255 Live Oak Drive, between U.S. 1 and State Road A1A and south of the Wabasso Causeway.
Features: Include a Florida Master Naturalists' "duck arcade," where visitors can learn about the state's wetlands, resident waterfowl and migratory waterfowl species and a chance to try to identify ducks. Visitors also can check out environmental booths, make environmental art projects to take home, ride in a canoe or pontoon boat and enjoy live music.
Admission: Free. Park along the causeway and ride a complimentary shuttle to the center.
More Info: Call the ELC at (772) 589-5050, or log onto its Web site,
www.elcweb.org.
By TONY JUDNICH
tony.judnich@scripps.com
March 14, 2006
WABASSO — The scene will be just ducky at the Environmental Learning Center Sunday afternoon.
That's when the non-profit center's 10th annual EcoFest, with the theme "Celebrating Florida's Ducks," takes place, featuring more than two dozen environmental booths, a chance to talk to birders, scientists and hunters and live music and food. The free event is scheduled to run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and serves as an open house for the center.
Florida is visited by more than 20 species of migratory waterfowl each year and three species of ducks, according to center officials. At EcoFest, people will be able to visit the Florida Master Naturalists' "duck arcade" to learn about the state's wetlands, resident waterfowl and migratory waterfowl species.
And visitors can examine duck feathers, feet and beaks, try to identify different ducks — such as by listening to their quacks — and talk with birders, scientists and hunters.
Also, the festival will have "Eco Art" stations, where visitors can make a variety of hands-on projects to take home. And, as long as the weather holds out, visitors will be able to get a "bird's-eye view" of Mother Nature on a canoe or pontoon boat ride courtesy of Sebastian River Boat Tours. There is limited seating.
Younger visitors will have the chance to play EcoQuest with a chance to win a plush stuffed animal from the center's gift shop.
"There will be a series of five questions," Holly Dill, the center's executive director, said Monday. "The idea is once they participate in five (environmental) booths, they should be able to answer the question. Once each question is answered, they'll get a sticker to put on a card, and then they can drop their card into a basket for the drawing. The idea is we want EcoFest to not only be fun, but an educational effort."
The event also features more than 1,000 "Making a Difference in MY World" art contest entries by local students in kindergarten through fifth grades. All entries will be on display throughout the center's buildings and Joan Edwards, the contest's chairperson, will announce the winners at the festival. Winners receive gift shop gift certificates.
The local band the River Rats will perform and sodas and food, including Greek food, crab cakes and hot dogs, will be on sale.
Several thousands of people usually attend each festival, Dill said.
"It's an ideal way to experience our natural resources in a fun and safe and engaging setting, particularly for families with young children," she said.
EcoFest is organized by a volunteer committee chaired by Tuny Hill, Eileen Salvador and Kathy Smith and has more than 20 local sponsors.
If you go
What: 10th annual EcoFest with the theme, "Celebrating Florida's Ducks."
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Environmental Learning Center, 255 Live Oak Drive, between U.S. 1 and State Road A1A and south of the Wabasso Causeway.
Features: Include a Florida Master Naturalists' "duck arcade," where visitors can learn about the state's wetlands, resident waterfowl and migratory waterfowl species and a chance to try to identify ducks. Visitors also can check out environmental booths, make environmental art projects to take home, ride in a canoe or pontoon boat and enjoy live music.
Admission: Free. Park along the causeway and ride a complimentary shuttle to the center.
More Info: Call the ELC at (772) 589-5050, or log onto its Web site,
www.elcweb.org.