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August 30, 2011 |
ECHO AWARDED GRANT TO LAUNCH YOUTH STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE
BURLINGTON, Vt. — ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center was
recently awarded one of 160 grants from the Institute for Museum
and Library Services (IMLS), enabling ECHO to further its
mission for stewardship of Lake Champlain. The $149,295 grant
will fund the launch of the Youth Stewardship Initiative (YSI).
The 2-year project, starting October 1st, will connect youth
aged 5-18 with practicing scientists and stewardship
opportunities focused on improving the health of the Lake
Champlain Basin through Lake Science Camps, Lake Science
Overnights and Stewardship Summits.
Partners from the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, including
the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein Ecosystem Science
Laboratory, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and ECHO, will
work together to contribute their collective watershed research,
management and education resources to the initiative.
YSI will also leverage ECHO’s new asset, the Lakeside
Pavilion expansion. “The expansion will serve as a platform for
the Youth Stewardship Initiative to deliver a top-quality and
sustainable fee-based program that will encourage the youth of
the Basin to be better stewards of their watershed”, said Molly
Loomis, ECHO’s Director of Education.
Starting in the spring of 2012, ECHO will launch a series of
day camps and overnight programs, which offer youth the
opportunity to get behind-the-scenes at ECHO and out into the
watershed to explore and protect the Lake Champlain Basin. Other
project priorities include a lake science and stewardship
curriculum; training for staff, volunteers, and interns
implementing the programs; a marketing and promotional package
reaching target audiences; and two reports evaluating the
success of the program.
ECHO was one of 481 museums and libraries that applied for
an IMLS grant. The IMLS has allotted $18,777,552 in funding,
matched with $32,007,711 of non-federal funds for Museums for
America Program Grants.
For more information call (toll-free) 1.877.324.6386 or
visit www.echovermont.org.
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About ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is located at the Leahy
Center for Lake Champlain, on Vermont’s Burlington Waterfront.
ECHO features 70 live species, more than 100 interactive
experiences, changing and permanent exhibits and seasonal events
— all exploring the Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunity
for stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin. The 2.2 acre Leahy
Center environmental campus is also highlighted by the Lake
Champlain Basin Program Resource Room, UVM’s Rubenstein
Ecosystem Science Laboratory, Lake Champlain Navy Memorial,
ECHO’s Eclectic Gift Shop, and ecology-themed café featuring
food prepared by Sugarsnap. Open year-round, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;
closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day. For more information
visit echovermont.org, call (toll-free) 1.877.324.6386, or write
to ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Leahy Center for Lake
Champlain, One College Street, Burlington, VT 05401.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary
source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and
17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong
libraries and museums that connect people to information and
ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in
coordination with state and local organizations to sustain
heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more
about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
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