EcoTarium's new tree canopy walkway gives visitors a bird's eye view of the forest
Get out of your house and into the trees at the EcoTarium’s newest exhibit, opening December 27
MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Hesshaus
Communications Manager
shesshaus@ecotarium.org
(508)929-2738
(WORCESTER, Mass. ) — EcoTarium's new Tree Canopy Walkway affords visitors an experience they cannot otherwise have without traveling to the thick of Central and South American rainforests.
The Tree Canopy Walkway, a unique cable skyway suspended 40 feet above ground among a grove of oak and hickory trees, was the first in thenation to open for public use in July 1999. The walkway is modeled after those built for scientific research in tropical and temperate forests around the world.
"The EcoTarium's canopy walkway allows us to demonstrate canopy research," said Dolores Root, director of museum exhibits and programs. "EcoTarium will be among the first to bring this little-known research tool for getting into remote, high places to the public in a way that they can experience it for themselves."
Only in the last 20 years have scientists begun to systematically document the tremendous diversity of life high in the tree canopy. Researchers have estimated that millions of undiscovered species--many of which are insects—are hidden high above our heads in the leaf line of the trees. Scientists have developed ingenuous techniques for accessing the canopy layer of the forest, including climbing ropes or ladders, inflatable "rafts" and "sleds" dropped from hot-air balloons, and tree canopy walkways.
While some canopy walkways in the tropics are designed for "eco-tourism," EcoTarium opens for public use the first walkway in a temperate deciduous forest. Other walkways in the United States are reserved for student and researcher use.
This permanent structure, built in a grove of oak and hickory trees, consists of four platforms with connecting boardwalks and bridges, each spanning 20 to 35 feet from tree to tree. Visitors are free to venture out on handicap-accessible boardwalks to the first tree. The more adventurous may harness up and join EcoTarium staff members for a guided program on the outer reaches of the walkway. Reservations and prepayment are necessary for most programs.
Seasonal programming on the Tree Canopy Walkway offers visitors the thrill of crossing a cable skyway and also lends them a new perspective on this habitat high above their heads. From EcoTarium's walkway, visitors will be able to observe behaviors of birds, squirrels, insects and other tree-dwelling creatures. They may make comparisons between life in the canopy and life on the forest floor. Visitors may also examine tree growth, the prevalence of lichen, leaf characteristics, seasonal changes, understory growth and more.
Canopy High
In this 60-minute program, EcoTarium staff will help you get outfitted with helmets and harnesses and then guide you through the canopy. Experience for yourself how scientists study the forest canopy as you make your way across swaying bridges high above the forest floor. From each viewing platform, observe wildlife, tree structure, climatic differences and more.
Investigations in the Trees
Throughout the Tree Canopy Walkway season, EcoTarium may offer additional programs which focus on insects, foliage, migration and more. These programs typically run 90 minutes to two hours long and include hands-on investigations.
"There is much to be investigated in this largely uncharted habitat. Our visitors will be part of this exciting expedition, and what we learn and find may be entirely unexpected," said Root.
EcoTarium's Tree Canopy Walkway was designed and constructed by Canopy Construction Associates, based in Amherst, Mass. The associates, all experienced canopy researchers and builders, have also installed walkways in Belize, Ecuador, Borneo and the Peruvian Amazon.
The Tree Canopy Walkway, part of an $18 million facility expansion and renovation program, is funded with a gift from the Fred Harris Daniels Foundation.
EcoTarium, a center for environmental exploration, features a three-story museum with exhibits dedicated to New England and global environments, wildlife habitats for more than 200 animals, interpretive nature trails on 60 scenic acres, a planetarium and observatory, and a narrow-gauge train ride. EcoTarium is located at 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, Mass. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $7 adults, $5 children ages 3-16, college students with ID and senior citizens. EcoTarium members and children under 3 are admitted free. For information, call (508) 929-2700 or visit EcoTarium on the World Wide Web at www.ecotarium.org.
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