Environmental Learning Center
The John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is a treasure trove for nature lovers. Here you can follow a meandering waterway, spot many different bird species, and listen to rustling trees and singing frogs. Located on the edge of Clackamas Community College's Oregon City campus, the ELC is a special place for all to enjoy.
The ELC offers many opportunities for adults and children alike to explore and learn about the outdoors through hands-on environmental education: field trips and camps for K-12 students, continuing education trainings for professionals, and workshops and special events for community members.
Our beautiful amphitheater and rustic buildings are ideal for classes, but also for weddings, business retreats and meetings. Come join us at the ELC!
What can you do at the ELC?
The Environmental Learning Center is a critical wetland
Newell Creek bubbles to life here, fed by underground springs and stormwater runoff from the campus and surrounding areas. The water in Newell Creek flows through the 1,800-acre Newell Creek watershed, the largest intact green space in the south metro area. It then connects with Abernethy Creek and continues on into the Willamette River, the Columbia River and ultimately into the Pacific Ocean.
The water flowing into the ELC provides critical wetland habitat for wildlife, but stormwater carries pollutants with it. Our functional wetland cleanses and cools this water, ensuring that what goes downstream is healthier than what entered the site. The Environmental Learning Center is open daily from dawn to dusk. Come explore trails and discover native plants and wildlife. For more information on our programs and workshops, please call 503-594-3015.
An ancestral homeland to the Clackamas people
We acknowledge that the Environmental Learning Center resides on the traditional homelands of the Clackamas, Cascades, and Tumwater bands of Chinooks, as well as the Tualatin and Pudding River bands of Kalapuya and the Northern Molalla people. They lived and prospered by maintaining strong cultural ties to the land, and through wise management of resources. As signers of the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855, they were removed from their homelands to the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation where they became members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
We thank and honor the original caretakers of this land, their lives, and their descendants that live on as Tribal members today, still carrying on the traditions and cultures of their ancestors.
Directions to the ELC
Clackamas Community College is located at 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City 97045. We are located near the intersection of Hwy 213 and Beavercreek Rd, about three miles south of I-205 (Exit 10).
The Environmental Learning Center is on the northeast edge of campus. The easiest route is to use the back entrance to the campus, off of Beavercreek Road. Take a right on Douglas Loop, and then another right onto Inskeep Drive. A sign for the Environmental Learning Center can be seen at its entrance, with parking available just past the entrance.
Connect with us
Like Us On Facebook and enjoy the ever-changing seasons and happenings at the ELC!
We invite you to help preserve this gem so that the entire community can learn and have fun here for many years to come. Give to the Environmental Learning Center.
Interested in donating to the ELC?
Your donation is tax deductible, and your generosity helps us continue to offer all our programming and scholarship opportunities.
ELC Sponsors
Consider joining these wonderful organizations that proudly support Environmental Education for all!
Guardians
- Clackamas Water Environment Services
- NW Natural
- Oak Lodge Water Services
Protectors
- Clackamas River Water Providers
- Oregon City Public Works
- Society of Wetland Scientists, PNW Chapter
