In This Issue:

	STOWAWAY CUBAN TREE FROG EMIGRATES TO ECHO
	POLAR BEARS IN VERMONT?
	ANNUAL PASS MATCHING GIFT — LAST DAYS!
	BASIN QUESTION OF THE MONTH
	IBM SOLAR DAY AT ECHO
	A DREAMY GREEN-Y EVENING TO REMEMBER
	NEWSBITES
	HOMESCHOOLERS FIND HANDS-ON LEARNING AT ECHO
	VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
	FRIENDS & SPONSORS

STOWAWAY CUBAN TREE FROG EMIGRATES TO ECHO

Michael Dennis was having a typical day at the supermarket in Morrisville where he works, when something unusual was discovered in a shipment — it was a frog. Michael brought the amphibian to ECHO, where Animal Care staff determined it was a Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis).

Says Steve Smith, Director of Animal Care and Facilities, “It’s fortunate that Mr. Dennis brought the frog to ECHO; another person might have released it.” Non-native animals are often problematic in the areas where they are introduced, and in fact Cuban tree frogs are blamed for the reduction of several indigenous frog populations in southern Florida.

In this case, Steve’s biggest concern, had the frog been released, was the potential introduction of disease, especially Chytrid fungus to Vermont. Chytrid fungus is often fatal in frogs and spreads quickly. It is believed to have originated in Africa and has been found on every continent inhabited by frogs. Where Chytrid thrives, 50% of the amphibian species and 80% of the individual animals exposed can be expected to disappear within a year. Its introduction in the Lake Champlain Basin could vastly impact our local frog species, and our entire ecosystem.

Or, as in this case, our actions can be thoughtful and mindful of the environment — the choice is ours. Stay tuned for more news of our little Cuban; and to find out when it’ll make its debut.

Pictured: Cuban tree frog adapts to new environment © Dan Foley/ECHO; Chytrid Fungus life cycle, courtesy of Hopkins Medical; Cuban tree frog perches on a branch © Josh Bakelaar/ECHO.

POLAR BEARS IN VERMONT?
Shaw’s “Reusable Polar Bear Bags” to Benefit ECHO
Now - February 28

Attention all shoppers! We are very proud to announce that as part of a New England-wide campaign, Shaw’s Supermarkets has selected ECHO to be the representative Vermont environmental attraction, and we will receive a portion of the proceeds from their popular Reusable Polar Bear Bags now through February 28, 2009.

For every $1.50 Reusable Polar Bear Bag purchased at a Vermont Shaw’s, 10 cents will be donated to ECHO — and, as an incentive to visit us, an accompanying discount coupon will offer $2.00 off admission for every person in a party.

And don’t miss the kick-off event! The campaign will be launched on Saturday, January 10, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the South Burlington Shaw’s. Click here to read more!

Pictured: Polar Bear Bag, courtesy of Shaw’s.

ANNUAL PASS MATCHING GIFT — LAST DAYS!

Act quickly to take advantage of our traditional holiday opportunity that doubles the value of your Annual Pass purchase by donating a matching Annual Pass to a family in need. 1027 Annual Passes have been purchased since November, which means that 1027 people in-need will receive an ECHO Annual pass free of charge — and there are still grant funds available! This ECHO’s Open Door community access program ends January 11.

To purchase an ECHO Annual Pass and have
a matching Pass donated — at no extra charge
to you — click here.

To read more about the Annual Pass Matching Gift Program, click here.

BASIN QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Notes from Leahy Center partner the Lake Champlain Basin Program

Question: What causes the tall spires of fog we sometimes see on Lake Champlain this time of year?

IBM SOLAR DAY AT ECHO — SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH

Come join IBM professionals as they turn you on to the world of solar energy — where amps and volts are generated by light! Build solar gadgets and understand the principles behind this green energy source. Sessions last 45 minutes and are free with ECHO admission.

Pre-registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Call or email Group Bookings Representative Andrew Grosvenor (877-ECHOFUN x127). Parents and mentors are welcome to join youth in this educational, hands-on science session.

Three sessions:
10:30 a.m. – 3rd & 4th graders
11:30 a.m. – 5th & 6th graders
1:30 p.m. – 7th & 8th graders.

A DREAMY GREEN-Y EVENING TO REMEMBER

By Event Hostess Mallory Wood

When Heather and Doug Dodge decided to get married last year, they knew they wanted their wedding to be as environmentally sound as possible.

"The biggest green step we took was to have our wedding at ECHO! We wanted to do as much as we could to minimize our wedding's carbon footprint," says newly-wed Heather Dodge. "By holding both the wedding ceremony and the reception in the same green location, our
guests didn’t have to drive all over town.” (ECHO is also located at a hub of alternative transportation: the bike path, the bus stop, the train station... There’s even a public boat dock just steps from our door.)

The Dodges didn’t limit their green agenda to the location, though. Each aspect of their happy event was designed with sustainability in mind: The use of local wedding favors, food, and even compostable cups — all cut the carbon footprint down.

"Our friends from Los Angeles, who get to attend some pretty high-profile Hollywood events, said it was the best wedding they had ever been to!” shared Heather. “I remember there being a real buzz in the air as people turned corners and discovered the different food stations and exhibits. We felt like the staff really cared, and treated our event like it was their own."

Did you know that ECHO will help you plan your own green wedding or event?” For more information on hosting your next professional or private event at ECHO, contact Event Manager Vivien Schueler at 877-ECHO-FUN ext 124.

Pictured: Heather, Doug, and friends jump for joy © Karen Pike Photography 2008

NEWSBITES

ECHO is saying goodbye to long-time Environmental Exhibit Specialist Josh Bakelaar, who has been accepted to the University of Vermont’s Soil Science Graduate Program. We are happy to welcome to the staff new Exhibit Specialist Tessa Faye-Foulds, new weekend Custodian, Larry Meeks, and joining us in Think! Café: Bernie Bright.

Correction: The Voices for the Lake Video Kiosk is funded through Lake Champlain Sea Grant.

HOMESCHOOLERS FIND HANDS-ON LEARNING AT ECHO

By Youth Education Specialist Elizabeth Nuckols

Homeschool isn’t just about learning at home, it’s about learning in context. Which is why so many homeschoolers count on ECHO as a resource for hands-on learning of science, history, and more. This year, ECHO is taking our homeschool connection to a new level, and offering organized sessions of our new Homeschool Science Series. Coming up in 2009, we’re offering "Time Machine Travel" for 5-7 year-olds and "Behind the Scenes at ECHO" for 8-10 year-olds.

We’ve already hosted two well-received sessions this fall, including "Hooray for Habitats", and "Lake Champlain: Past, Present and Future." The highlight for both programs was the behind-the-scenes tour of ECHO’s baby turtle program.

Coming up this month: “Time Machine Travel” for 5-7 year olds! Students will travel back in time and visit some distinctly different periods in the history of our Lake Champlain Basin: a warm water ocean, the time of the dinosaurs, a cold water sea, and our indigenous people. Please contact Elizabeth by clicking here or by calling 877-ECHOFUN x137 for more information.

Pictured: Homeschooler Sara shows off her creation as part of the "Hooray for Habitats" series.

SMALL DOG ELECTRONICS RAFFLE

The winner of this month's raffle prize — a green iPod shuffle courtesy of our good friends at Small Dog Electronics — is Anna M. of Burlington, VT. Congratulations!

 By the way, did you know that electronic waste, or eWaste, accounts for 2-3% of our nation’s landfills, with an average of 220 tons of computers and other electronics discarded every year — in the US alone?

Learn more about eWaste and what YOU can do it help by visiting Small Dog’s website at http://www.smalldog.com/ewaste.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Kalynne Elyse Gallagher

As an Exhibit Interpreter, I help enrich the displays and educational activities that ECHO has to offer. I've been at ECHO since the beginning of September.

What attracted you to volunteer at ECHO?

I have always loved working with animals, and being a biology major at the University of Vermont, I really wanted to do something related, and this fits perfectly.

What does ECHO mean to you?

ECHO means a lot to me, like how crucial it is to be aware of our environment and to do our part to preserve and appreciate it.

Can you share a memorable moment or project you've had at ECHO?

One of my most memorable projects at ECHO was “Twister Tracks,” where I got to adapt a Twister game for the DinoTracks exhibit.

Any advice for someone like you who wants to get involved in their community?

Look for something that sparks your interest and find out how you can get involved! You never know unless you go for it!

See you at Dino Tracks!

FRIENDS AND SPONSORS

SUPPORT ECHO ON TOURISM SITES

ECHO, like so many of Vermont's attractions, relies heavily on the tourism audience. Many travelers these days are choosing destinations over the internet, through online reviews by the general public; we could use your grassroots support! Please visit your favorite travel website - and encourage relatives or friends who have experienced ECHO to do so too - and add another positive voice to our attraction reviews. This will greatly help bring folks to both Vermont and to ECHO. The following are a couple of websites to get you started - thanks in advance!

Find & Go Seek
IgoUgo
Yahoo! Travel

Photo: © Jeff Clarke 2007

WPTZ/NewsChannel 5 Live at ECHO

Mark your calendars to especially watch WPTZ/NewsChannel 5 on the second Thursday of every month, when Chief Meteorologist Tom Messner broadcasts his Precision Weather forecast live from ECHO during "First at 5," "5:30 Now," and "NewsChannel 5 at 6pm."

ECHO Update Feedback
Consistent with our stewardship mission, we are saving resources by communicating electronically. We will never give away or sell your email address. Let us know if there is anyone whom you think would enjoy getting our ECHO Update and please, pass it on to a friend. We welcome your comments about this e-newsletter. Would you like to see additional topics included or some omitted? Do you like the format? ECHO wants to know!

Click here to send us your feedback. Thanks for your input!

Update Staff:

Editor: Steven Leibman, Director of Marketing and Communications
Associate Editor: Grace Per Lee, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Reporter: Corey Grenier, Marketing and Communications Intern
Reporter: Madison Wood, Marketing and Communications Intern
Design: Travis Cook, Information Technology Coordinator