The
ELC is situated on 212 acres of land located approximately three miles
east of the main campus of Colorado
State University in Fort Collins, on the banks of the Poudre River
at the end of the Poudre River Trail. It is managed through CSU's College
of Natural Resources, with the staff comprised of mostly CSU students.
The
mission of the ELC is " to connect people with nature by facilitating educational, inclusive and safe experiences in the natural environment and to advance the field of environmental education through sound research and practice."
That mission is accomplished
through the provision of programs for school kids, scout troops, the general
public, families, and others.
The
ELC is a unique natural resource for our northern Colorado community.
With four distinct ecosystems within its 212 acres -- wetlands, riparian,
cottonwood forest and prairie ecosystems -- the ELC is home to a diversity
of flora and fauna. The ELC is also home to some of the birds in the care
of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.
At the ELC's East Drake site, you can view Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles,
Great Horned Owls, and other native birds supported by the raptor program.
The ELC also conducts and hosts many research projects affiliated
with Colorado State University. From evaluating the effectiveness of experiential
learning to studying the song patterns of Chickadees, research at the
ELC supports the endeavors of undergraduates, graduates, and faculty.
