Founded and opened to the public in 2003 , ECHO is a dynamic haven of learning where fun , science , and education seamlessly intersect . The Center houses the University of Vermont ’ s Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory , a stateof-the-art facility where students and researchers study the ecological complexities of Lake Champlain . Beyond research and public exhibits , ECHO plays a pivotal role in community education through diverse programming that includes science workshops and environmental stewardship projects . These programs extend across all ages , encouraging community members to engage with all manner of scientific disciplines . ECHO ’ s programming is further enriched by collaborations with various educational and social service organizations , enhancing statewide accessibility . ECHO ’ s Director of Development , Nicole Bova , elaborates : “ We partner with about 70 social service agencies across Vermont , offering free memberships and admission vouchers , and ensuring that everyone , regardless of financial status , can enjoy ECHO .” This commitment extends to the “ Museums for All ” program , which allows SNAP benefit recipients reduced admission fees , and a statewide library pass program that offers discounted entry .
As a parent of two young sons , Jude and Max , I decided to bring them and my partner , Alexandra , with me as I visited ECHO and interviewed their staff . I was overjoyed by the experience that we had there as a family , and we didn ’ t just walk away with a greater understanding of Lake Champlain ’ s ecosystems – we shared priceless memories and unforgettable moments of family connection .
During our first visit , we explored dozens of interactive exhibits , each of which is designed to cater to different age groups and learning stages . Our son Jude , still in his toddler stage , had an incredible time wandering through the “ Champ Lane ” Early Learning Exhibit . He explored the treehouse and bridge , gleefully coasted down the slide , and had the time of his life playing around with the boats in the water pool . After he got his fill of splashes and imaginary nautical exploration , we continued onward to the Champ Lane playtime café and farm store . While there , Jude sorted fruits and vegetables , reinforcing the cognitive and motor skills that he has started to hone while preparing food with us in our kitchen at home . Both Jude and our newborn , Max , were mesmerized by the fish in the invasive species tanks , and Jude was especially fond of the alewife fish , which he pointed at with a beaming grin while taking in their shiny scales . We stopped in at the Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater and caught a few minutes of Blue Whales : Return of the Giants 3D , but Jude was so excited to go back to the “ Engineer It ” wing and play with the vacuum tubes that we couldn ’ t make it through the whole showing ! ECHO ’ s Public Programs Manager , Billy Ernest , emphasizes that the “ Engineer It ” lab offers an evolving roster of interactive activities , which are wonderfully suited to children of all ages . “ Activities rotate every few weeks , emphasizing hands-on engagement to solve problems through the engineering design process .” Past projects have included coding miniature robots and hovercraft activities . “ The programs provide an open-ended learning experience , and create a space where kids can feel safe taking creative risks and working together through failure .”
Proceeding forward from the “ Engineer It ” exhibition , the levitating balls and tornado vortex in the “ Awesome Forces ” exhibition left Jude smiling in awe and wonder , and we can ’ t wait to bring him back to the animal care and veterinary area in Champ Lane on our next visit . The good news is , that with ECHO ’ s “ Engineer It Everywhere ” web page , we can keep the fun and learning going at home , ensuring that Jude can continue to engage with the educational content .
As a parent , I ’ m looking forward to returning to ECHO many times throughout Jude and Max ’ s childhoods . I ’ m confident that their appreciation for the exhibits will grow as they do , and that ECHO will continue to provide a rich , educational experience that nurtures their minds and environmental awareness . This summer , I ’ m definitely bringing the family back to ECHO for the upcoming The Pigeon
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