Jun. 24, 2011 - ELC Benefits from “Our Natural World” Photographic Art Exhibit
Beginning July 1st, the new Gallery of Hope.org, a photographic gallery presented by Island Images Professional Photography Studio, Inc., will present the first of many exhibits to benefit a charitable organization in the community. This inaugural exhibit to be featured during the month of July will benefit the Environmental Learning Center.
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Jan. 27, 2011 - ELC’s Stapleton Receives CIP
The ELC announced that Education Coordinator, Heather Stapleton, has been awarded the designation as a Certified Interpretive Planner (CIP) from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). The certification that Ms. Stapleton received documents that she possesses the skills and knowledge to perform successfully as an interpretive planner.
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Jan. 19, 2011 - Organic Chocolate Tasting at the ELC
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, The ELC is conducting an organic chocolate tasting at 5 PM on Tuesday, February 8, 2011. This green living workshop demonstrates one small way we can live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Gina Battle, from the local chocolate boutique, “Faith, Hope and Chocolate,” will be conducting the tasting at the ELC. Call 772-589-5050 for reservations.
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Jan. 7, 2011 - Organic Wine Tasting at the ELC
Grapes are one of the most heavily sprayed crops. Wine made from certified organically grown grapes, without any pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers, is clearly better for our planet and us. At 5 PM on Saturday, January 22, the ELC is sponsoring an organic wine tasting, lead by a wine appreciation instructor, to help participants chose wines that are both earth friendly and delicious.
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Jan. 3, 2011 - “Bobcat on Gracewood Lane” available at ELC
Vero Beach resident, Nancy Hopwood, has written a new children’s book called “Bobcat on Gracewood Lane”. In the 1950’s Nancy’s Grandparents built a small, beach house on land they owned on the south barrier island, calling the sandy, bumpy road Little Gracewood. As a child Nancy stayed in the beach house for a month every year and still remembers the wild animals that lived in the lush habitat.
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Dec. 13, 2010 - Master Naturalist Classes at the ELC
Ecotour guides, volunteers, or employees of parks, nature centers, museums, or historical sites, teachers seeking continuing education, and individuals deeply interested in the environment, should consider enrolling in the Master Naturalist Program sponsored by the University of Florida and conducted at the Environmental Learning Center.
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Dec. 2, 2010 - Environmental Learning Center Announces New Admission Fee
The ELC recently announced a new admission fee schedule. Effective January 1, 2011, the ELC will charge nonmember admission in the amount of $5 for adults and children over the age of 13. Free admission will continue to be extended to children 12 years old and younger. ELC members receive free admission as part of membership benefits.
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Nov. 19, 2010 - ELC Volunteer Open House, December 1
If you are interested in learning more about our beautiful Indian River environment and possibly volunteering time to support its preservation and the education of others, come to the Environmental Learning Center Volunteer Open House from 3 pm until 5 pm on Wednesday, December 1. The ELC staff and volunteers will describe the various opportunities and answer your questions.
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Nov. 17, 2010 - Public Invited to Hear Author Carl Hiaasen at The Moorings
The Moorings Literary Society is hosting a luncheon at The Moorings Club on December 6, 2010, benefiting the ELC. It features the well-known, Florida author, Carl Hiaasen, promoting his new novel, “Star Island.” This is the latest of Hiaasen’s more than twenty best-selling novels. The Observer calls Carl “America’s finest satirical novelist…..the blazing conscience of the Sunshine State.”
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Nov. 11, 2010 - Canoe and Kayak with the ELC
Exploring our Indian River Lagoon and its tributaries by canoe and kayak offers a unique opportunity to enjoy and learn about one of the most diverse environments on earth. These maneuverable and quiet watercraft with shallow draft, allow participants to see nature, close-up, and undisturbed. Experienced guides lead each trip, providing background and historical perspective.
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Nov. 10, 2010 - Meet Live Lagoon Critters
The new Discovery Station at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) has replaced the “wet lab” that was destroyed in the fire two years ago. It features a variety of interactive exhibits illustrating the land and water animals in our habitat, as well as several aquariums, one of which is among the largest in the area.
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Nov. 8, 2010 - Pontoon Boats on the Lagoon
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is offering a number of Pelican Island excursions aboard their brand new pontoon boat. Each lasts two hours and each is led by an ELC naturalist who will identify a variety of birds now returning here for the winter months.
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Nov. 2, 2010 - ELC Activities on Saturday, November 13
If you are looking for some gardening tips, or an interesting and fun activity to enjoy with your children, the Environmental Learning Center is the place to be on Saturday, November 13, 2010.
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Oct. 20, 2010 - ELC Announces Fall Programs
To help people of all ages enjoy and learn about these areas, the Environmental Learning Center, located off the Wabasso Causeway, announces a wide variety of Fall Programs for all ages.
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Sep. 7, 2010 - Birds of a Feather Golf Together for ELC
Plans are in full swing for the Environmental Learning Center’s Charity Golf Outing to be held at Bent Pine Golf Club on Friday, November 19th 2010. The theme for the 18th annual event is "Birds of a Feather, Golf Together." The cost is $300 per person inclusive.
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Sep. 3, 2010 - Consider Becoming a Junior Interpreter at ELC
Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades interested in learning more about Florida’s ecology may consider joining the ELC's Junior Interpreter (JI) program. JI's learn to teach educational programs, help with ELC events, and volunteer to help with conservation projects. They lead seine and dip netting educational programs for families and learn eco-facts to share with others.
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Jun. 14, 2010 - ELC Receives Prestigious Green Certification
The ELC recently achieved a Four Green Globe certification for two new buildings that were recently opened on the 64-acre Wabasso Island campus. Green Globes® is a revolutionary green building guidance and assessment program that offers an effective, practical and affordable way to advance the overall environmental performance and sustainability of commercial buildings.
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May. 31, 2010 - Firefighters and Paramedics Contribute to ELC's New Discovery Station
At the May 1, 2010 grand opening of the Environmental Learning Center’s Discovery Station, the Indian River County Firefighters and Paramedics presented a check in the amount of $1,145 as their contribution to ELC’s Fire Fund campaign.
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May. 5, 2010 - EcoArt Lecture at the ELC
On May 12, 2010, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, at the Environmental Learning Center, Marjorie Shropshire and Robert Hopper will host a discussion on the role of EcoArt in highlighting local and global environmental issues. EcoArt is a contemporary form of environmental art created by artists who are concerned about our environment.
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Apr. 23, 2010 - Grand Re-Opening at the Environmental Learning Center
An interesting and educational experience awaits all family members at the Grand Re-Opening Celebration of the new buildings at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The new buildings replace those destroyed by a lightning strike almost two years ago.
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Apr. 1, 2010 - Grand Re-Opening at the Environmental Learning Center
Where can you see four aquariums, including one that is 13 feet long, the largest brackish water aquarium in Indian River County? Where can you learn about green building technologies and solar power production? The answer is at the Grand Re-Opening Celebration of the new buildings at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
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Mar. 30, 2010 - ELC Becomes Wonderland
Don’t be late for this very important date. The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is hosting a whimsical fundraising event Sat., April 17th at 6:30pm. It will be an oversized time this year with the theme “ELC in Wonderland.” The party will be held in an air-conditioned tent on the ELC’s campus on Wabasso Island along the Indian River Lagoon.
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Mar. 24, 2010 - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Florida is extremely susceptible to the effects of sea level rise which may drastically impact the state’s ecosystems and human population. Dr. Reed Noss, Professor of Conservation Biology at the University of Central Florida, will bring life to the sea rise issue and its effect on biodiversity with a talk at the ELC at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.
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Mar. 19, 2010 - Family Game Night - March 29
How about spending an evening with your family? Come to the ELC from 6:00 to 8:30 PM on Monday, March 29, to play some of their new environmentally themed board games or bring your own games to share with others. Available games include: EcoRanch. Camp, Oceanopoly, Ocean Bingo, Endangered Species Memory Game, and A Beautiful Place. Organic popcorn, eco-friendly snacks, and drinks will be provided.
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Mar. 1, 2010 - Reporting on the Environment
On March 17, 2010, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, at the Indian River Shores Community Center, Dinah Voyles Pulver reports on the preservation of wildlife and conservation lands, water quality and the St. Johns River, as well as weather, hurricane science and natural disasters. Her presentation is part of the lecture series given by noted environmentalists, and sponsored by the ELC.
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Feb. 22, 2010 - ELC Annual EcoFest Extravaganza March 7th
The ELC's 64-acre island campus is filled with activities, art projects, craft booths, and live music for EcoFest. The 14th annual celebration takes place Sunday, March 7th from 12 to 4 pm. It is free and open to the public. Every year a fresh and different theme is selected for EcoFest. Co-Chairs Tamara Garcia and Jan Garrison selected “Our Own Backyard” for this year.
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Feb. 12, 2010 - Fish Painting at the ELC
An art form originating from the desire of Japanese and Hawaiian fishermen to document their prize catches will be demonstrated to participants in an Environmental Learning Center (ELC) workshop on Saturday, February 20 from 10:30 AM until noon.
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Feb. 8, 2010 - Lagoon Discovery Trips
Our Indian River Lagoon and its tributaries have one of the most diverse environments on earth. A wonderful way to explore and learn about this fascinating mix is to take some of the canoe and kayak trips offered by the ELC. Two and one-half to three hour guided trips are scheduled from sunrise to sunset for a number of days during the next three months.
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Feb. 8, 2010 - Dead Men Do Tell Tales
With the discovery of a 13,000 year old bone etching of a mammoth in Vero Beach last year, an upcoming lecture at the ELC will provide an appropriate context. “Coastal Archeology” will be presented at the ELC campus on Wednesday, February 17 from 5 until 6:30 PM.
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Jan. 24, 2010 - ELC Volunteers Honored
40 Environmental Learning Center Volunteers received President’s Volunteer Service awards at the annual breakfast, held at the Orchid Island Beach Club on March 20, to honor all those who donate their time and effort to the organization
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Jan. 23, 2010 - Exploring Nature on the Treasure Coast
Every Saturday morning at 9:30 am, every Wednesday morning at 10:30 am and every Sunday afternoon at 2 pm, Nature Guides at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) lead tours of the uplands and wetlands of the large nature preserve near the Wabasso causeway.
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Jan. 14, 2010 - EcoFest
The 14th Annual EcoFest Celebration at the Environmental Learning Center will take place Sunday, March 7th from noon to 4 pm. Gather up the family and head to the ELC for our Open House extravaganza. There will be live animals, music, crafts, educational booths, and food available for purchase. Admission is Free!
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Jan. 8, 2010 - Oceans in Trouble
On January 20, 2010, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, at the Indian River Shores Community Center, Dr. Edith Widder will offer a deep-sea explorers view of the current state of our oceans. Her presentation is part of a lecture series given by noted environmentalists, and sponsored by the Environmental Learning Center.
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Dec. 8, 2009 - Florida’s Unsung Wilderness: Its Swamps
The first of the ELC's “Noted Environmentalist Lecture Series” will be presented by conservation photographer Connie Bransilver at 5 PM on December 16 at the ELC. Ms. Bransilver, also an author and artist, is widely known for her multi-media slide, music and poetry lecture presentations on the value of the natural world.
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Dec. 4, 2009 - Omni Financial & The Majestic 11 Theatre Co-sponsor ELC Fund Raiser
Omni Financial of Vero Beach and The Majestic 11 theatre co-sponsored a fund raiser for the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) on October 24. The event featured a raffle and Halloween costume contest followed by a showing of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in Disney Digital 3-D.
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Nov. 27, 2009 - ELC Inducts Seven New Board Members
At its Annual Meeting on November 18, seven active Vero Beach residents were elected to the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) Board of Trustees and introduced to some 50 past and present ELC founders, board members, officers, and Environmental Learning Center Foundation board members.
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Nov. 20, 2009 - ELC Fundraiser at The Lazy Daisy
The Lazy Daisy will host a fundraiser on Tuesday, December 8th from 8am to 10am with 10% of the purchases going towards the ELC's seagrass and manatee exhibits.
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Nov. 4, 2009 - Canoe the Lagoon
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) offers a variety of canoe excursions led by volunteer guides. This is a very special way to experience the outdoors, to get close to the water and to explore some off the beaten path canoe trails.
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Nov. 2, 2009 - Golfing for the Environment
The 17th annual Charity Golf Tournament in support of the ELC will be held on December 4 at the Bent Pine Golf Club. Co-chairs Tuny Hill, Susie Kasten and Laura McDermott have announced that the $300 per player event will include golf fees, lunch, cocktails and an awards reception.
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Oct. 14, 2009 - A Special Showing of
A special showing of "Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Disney Digital 3-D" is being shown at The Majestic 11 by Cinemaworld Theatre in Vero Beach on Oct. 24. The event, sponsored by Omni Financial and The Majestic 11, is benefiting the Environmental Learning Center’s Fire Fund Campaign.
Back to topOct. 13, 2009 - Are There Bats in Your Belfry?
They can help control insect pests in your back yard. On Saturday, October 31, on its island campus, the ELCwill host the first of this season’s Green Living Workshops from 10:30 AM until noon. Those taking part will build bat boxes, and the cost is $30 per family ($25 for ELC members).
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Oct. 6, 2009 - Denizens of the Seagrass
The ELC will host the season’s first event in its Family Outings program on Saturday, October 17 from 11 AM until noon. Along its 64-acre campus, participants of all ages will follow master naturalists into the seagrass beds of the Indian River Lagoon to discover their natural inhabitants.
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Sep. 17, 2009 - A New Season at the ELC
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) today released its new program guide for the 2009-10 season. The colorful catalog provides lots of information about this important county resource and its educational and entertaining programs.
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Aug. 24, 2009 - Cool Gifts at the ELC Gift Shop
The ELC’s gift shop, The Nature Nook, is holding its annual sale during September. All items except books and cards are great bargains at 40% off. All merchandise is either eco-friendly or environmentally themed.
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Jul. 29, 2009 - Charity Sale to Benefit ELC
The owners of lifestyle store Decorative Arts and trendy Estilo Boutique have teamed up, for a second year in a row, on a one-night special, “Shop for a Cause,” with a portion of the profits going to the Environmental Learning Center’s (ELC) Fire Fund.
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May. 22, 2009 - ELC Summer Camps Scheduled
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) will offer three nature-orientated summer camps for students from eighth grade through seniors in high school: two four-day sessions of “Wild Waters” and one camping trip called “Florida Fun in the Keys.”
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May. 18, 2009 - Elementary Students Raise Over $8,500 to Support ELC Fire Fund
Five area elementary schools raised a combined $8,575.41 through individual read-a-thons held this spring to support the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) Fire Fund. Participating schools included Liberty Magnet, Treasure Coast Elementary, Citrus Elementary, Dodgertown Elementary, and the 4th grade students at Beachland Elementary.
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Apr. 17, 2009 - Dr. Bruce Means - Scientist, Author and TV Star Comes to the ELC
On May 6, from 6:30 until 8 PM, the Noted Environmentalist Lecture Series, sponsored jointly by the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) and the Indian River Land Trust (IRLT), will host Dr. Bruce Means for a presentation on the southeastern U.S. coastal plain.
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Mar. 19, 2009 - Guess What’s on Your Beach!
Dr. Blair Witherington is an experienced research biologist and serious scientist, studying turtles with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. During his years of exploring beaches in search of turtles he became increasingly aware of a host of other artifacts and “things” that can be found on the ocean’s edge.
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Feb. 20, 2009 - EAT LOCAL, EAT SMART
Never before assembled, an impressive panel of local growers, ranchers and gatherers will take part in a roundtable discussion on the differences between “sustainable” and “industrial” agriculture. The occasion is part of the Environmental Learning Center’s Lecture Series, co-sponsored by the Indian River Land Trust, and it will take place on the ELC campus from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on March 4.
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Jan. 12, 2009 - NOTED ENVIRONMENTALIST LECTURE SERIES
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) and Indian River Land Trust (IRLT) have combined efforts in presenting this season’s Noted Environmentalist Lecture Series. These engaging talks focus on current environmental topics and include speakers from across the state of Florida.
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Jan. 8, 2009 - EcoFest at the Environmental Learning Center
ELC will host EcoFest on Sunday, March 1st from noon to 4 pm on ELC's Wabasso Island campus.
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Jan. 7, 2009 - AN ELC FOCUS ON ADULTS
ELC will offer two new environmental series aimed at adults with environmental interests.
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Dec. 9, 2008 - ELC ELECTS NEW TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
At its annual meeting on November 19, the ELC elected new trustees and officers.
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Nov. 20, 2008 - ELC BRINGS ON THE BIRDS
On Sat., Dec. 6 at the ELC,a group of birding experts will lead a make-your-own bird house session.
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Nov. 12, 2008 - VANISHING FLORIDA: A LAND REMEMBERED
ELC and Indian River Land Trust co-sponsor a swamp buggy adventure at Padgett Creek ranches
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Nov. 7, 2008 - Discover Volunteering at the ELC
On Tue, Dec 2, from 3 to 5 PM, the ELC will host an open house for potential ELC volunteers.
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Oct. 20, 2008 - EDIBLE LANDSCAPING AND GREEN ROOFS AT THE ELC
Peggy Lantz, will present a workshop entitled “Edible Landscaping” on Nov. 1 from 10am to 12pm.
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Sep. 26, 2008 - NEW DIRECTION FOR ELC PROGRAMS
The ELC has released its 2008-2009 Program Guide with many new or revamped offerings.
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Aug. 18, 2008 - WALK-A-THON TO BENEFIT ELC FIRE FUND
A 2 mile Walk-A-Thon is being held this Sat. Apr. 23, at Riverview Park in Sebastian.
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Jun. 9, 2008 - SURF'S UP!
The ELC will offer a one-day surfing and beach adventure called “Let’s Go Surfin’ Now” on June 26.
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Mar. 27, 2008 - Talking Fish
Explore Talking Fish on ELC Evening Excursion
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Mar. 1, 2008 - Green, Greener, Greenest Book Signing
ELC Co-Sponsors a Book Signing with Vero Beach Book Center.
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Jan. 30, 2008 - Youth Meet Jane Goodall
The Emerson Center, Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots outreach program, and ELC partner on an event.
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Jan. 3, 2008 - Wachovia Supports ELC
Wachovia Foundation awards ELC funds for education programs.
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