History

1969	Begins as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 tax exempt charitable organization for land preservation and environmental education with the original purchase of 40 acres of land on Shrub Road, Bristol, from the City of New Britain Water Department.
1972	Completes construction of the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center on Shrub Road.  Begins educational programs.
1974	Purchases additional 28 adjoining acres bringing the original preserve to its present 68 acres.
1977	The Fuller Barnes family gifts 150 acre Indian Rock Nature Preserve. Organization changes name to The Bristol Regional Environmental Center, Inc.
1979	Begins educational programs at the Indian Rock Nature Preserve with the opening of the farm life program for elementary schools and a summer day camp for youth.
1986	Completes construction of 3,300 s/f Orchard House at Indian Rock to accommodate growing educational programs and camp.
1987	Acquires 78 acre Hart Preserve in Burlington.
1992	Acquires 77 acre Shepard Nature Preserve on Marsh Road in Bristol.
1999	Completes construction of 1,200 s/f addition to Orchard House.
2000	Acquires additional natural open-space to a total of 422 acres. The Center conducts over 130 different educational subject topics for over 30,000 students from organized schools and groups throughout the year.
2001	Acquires additional 93 acres of natural open-space to a total of 515 acres.
2002	Organization changes name to Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut, Inc. to reflect growth and state-wide presence.
2007	Added 110 acre South Mountain Preserve
2008	Completed 6,500 square foot addition to the Barnes Nature Center
2010	Opened new 12,000 square foot education center at Indian Rock
2013	Long-time Executive Director, Jon Guglietta retires, new Executive Director, Scott Heth begins