Environmental Learning Center

Located on Wabasso Island in the Indian River Lagoon, this nature center provides educational adventures with all the lagoon’s wildlife, including birds and butterflies. Habitats range from hardwood hammock to salt marsh, plus mud flats and mangroves. Wading birds such as Roseate Spoonbill and Reddish Egret use the lagoon for food and shelter, as do manatees and dolphins. Come learn about them and see them in action too! The Center itself is free, so peruse the displays and bird the boardwalk through the mangroves. Don’t miss the native plant trail and garden. The butterfly garden has larval host plants (like coontie, cassia, Hercules club and butterfly pea) and nectar plants (such as moonvine, firebush and wild coffee). Giant Swallowtail, Mangrove Skipper, Red Admiral and Cloudless Sulphur are frequently spotted here. Programs and hands-on field trips, from kayaking by moonlight to Family Birding 101, are available, call ahead for schedules and details. Boat tours to nearby Pelican Island NWR are offered as well.