ECHO Center, Smokey Bear, and Woodsy Owl Promotion!

This year, the Vermont State Parks are teaming up with ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center to run a great promotion that entitles overnight campers to use their receipt in exchange for $4 admission to the ECHO Leahy Center for a group of up to four people! ECHO members are also eligible for free day-use parks passes to any of our awesome state parks, and the promotion runs until September 13. 

ECHO is currently featuring an awesome exhibit called “Home Sweet Home” with Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl, and other furry critters to teach kids how to care for our planet, it’s natural resources, and about what is important to know when you head out into the woods. Kids have a chance to explore a Ranger Station, build bird houses, learn about native plants, and even get a mini forestry lesson.

In the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” Rain Garden, children learn to reclaim water and help a pretend raindrop find its way from shed roof to rain barrel, then to feed flowers and vegetables to help them grow. “Would You Believe it Come From a Tree” offers a new perspective on wood products and demonstrates growth cycles. There’s even a “Find It In the Forest Trail,” which encourages coordination with a balance beam, tipsy bridge, hollow stump and rock climbing wall for kids to explore.

A campsite helps young adventurers understand fire safety with sing-alongs, tent shadow puppets, and the fire lookout tower, which gives everyone an inside look at forests, reforestation, and how wildfires affect the woods.

Every other Friday from 10 a.m. until noon, the Burlington Fire Department will help Smokey work to prevent fires by bringing different fire trucks and equipment to the exhibit! Check out all their cool gear, and get safety tips from the pros.

We’re so excited to be in ca-hoots with Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, so please take advantage of this great promotion and check out the Home Sweet Home exhibit at the ECHO Leahy Center! 

by Carlie Timbie

Vermont State Parks