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MEDIA CONTACT: Sally Anne Giedrys
Communications Manager
sgiedrys@ecotarium.org
(508) 929-2738

(WORCESTER, Mass.) -- They're red, blue, brown&emdash;they're way beyond green! And you'll see them live and close up when Frogs!, a traveling exhibit developed by Audubon Nature Institute, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans, takes over the EcoTarium on April. 3. EcoTarium ushers in the warm weather with April Vacation Week fun, organic gardening how-to, kayaking for beginners, new exhibits in the meadow, spring stargazing, adventures on the Tree Canopy Walkway&emdash; and of course, the annual Earth Day Festival.

Calendar of Events (A list of special programs and exhibits follows)

Frogs! Exhibit Opens
Saturday, April 3
Get set for a ribbiting good time as frogs from across the world leap into the EcoTarium for a fun-filled, interactive exhibit that takes a unique look at these creatures that hop, swim, and climb. Set in the land of fairytales, this exhibit is sure to enchant visitors of all ages and provide an unusual perspective on some amazing amphibians. Discover fascinating frogs of all shapes, sizes and colors, from their beauty and form, cultural and natural history. Hop on over and we promise, you'll never look at a frog the same way again. Free with museum admission.

Family Preschool Day: Fantastic Frogs
Saturday, April 3, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
How do frogs climb trees? With sticky toes! Enter the amazing world of amphibians in this 30-minute children's program. Call (508) 929-2703 to register. Ages 3-5. Cost is $5/child with parent(s) plus admission. Members, $4.

Keeper Caper: Mammals
Sunday, April 4, 10 a.m.
Become a real-life wildlife keeper when you go behind the scenes with EcoTarium's staff to learn the ins and outs of caring for polar bears, foxes and more. Reservations required Call (508) 929-2703. Ages 6 and up. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child plus museum admission. Members, $10, 8.

The Big Dipper SkyWatch
Friday, April 9, 8 p.m.
On this night, the Big Dipper is high in the sky. The program begins in the planetarium with stories about Ursa Major, as told by many cultures of the past. In the handle of the dipper is an interesting set of companion stars, which we will view in our telescopes. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child. Members, $10 and $8. Call (508) 929-2703 for reservations.

Organic Gardening
Saturday, April 10, 1 p.m.
Jump start your herb, vegetable or flower garden using inexpensive and environmentally friendly practices that get results. One-hour workshop. Free with admission.

Leo the Lion SkyWatch
Friday, April 16, 8 p.m.
The constellation Leo is the wonder of the sky tonight. Learn all about it in the planetarium and then view objects in the constellation Bootes, the Herdsman, through our telescopes. Under the belly of Leo is mighty Jupiter. Venus is beginning a waning crescent phase. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child. Members, $10 and $8. Call (508) 929-2703 for reservations.

Sky-High Safari
Saturday, April 17 through Saturday, April 24
Programs at 11:30 a.m. , 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Get a bird's eye view of the forest as you walk through the treetops with a knowledgeable guide. Use cameras, field guides and your senses to identify trees and what lives in their upper reaches. Guided one-hour travels on the Tree Canopy Walkway are an experience you won't find anywhere else. Reservations recommended. Children must be 7 or older and accompanied by an adult. Members, $10. Non-members, $12 plus admission. To reserve, call (508) 929-2703. *No 11:30 a.m. program on Sunday, April 18.

April Vacation Week: Herp, Herp, Hooray!
Monday, April 19 &endash; Thursday, April 22
From sticky tongues and poisonous skin to gripping toes and instant camouflage, kids explore the coolest things about reptiles and amphibians during this activity-filled week. Free with admission

April Vacation Week: Spring has Sprung Day-Long Adventures
Tuesday, April 20 &endash; Friday, April 23
9 a.m. &endash; 4:30 p.m.
Explore the signs of spring with microscopes, telescopes, digital cameras, and your own eyes. Tuesday, Forest; Wednesday, Meadow; Thursday: Ocean; Friday, Pond. Ages 7-12. Call (508) 929-2703 for reservations. Members: $41, $148 for four days. Non-members: $46, $166 for four days.

Earth Day Festival
Friday, April 23
10 a.m. &endash; 5 p.m.
Go "beyond green" this Earth Day into the multicolored world of frogs! Enjoy our frog jumping contest, magicians, puppet shows, music by Kolor Me Green and lots more. Live animal programs with colorful frogs, a six-foot water monitor lizard and a 95-pound snapping turtle! Half-price admission all day ($4 adult, $3 child 3-18). Supported in part by Today's Parent Magazine.

A Night of Four Planets and Nine Moons SkyWatch
Friday, April 23
8 p.m.
Imagine the Roman Goddess Luna as you examine the features of the waxing crescent Moon. Surrounding the Moon on this night is a planet spectacular: Venus and Mars, plus Saturn and four of its moons. High in the sky, a fourth planet, mighty Jupiter, along with four of its moons provide another treat. Planetarium program and telescope viewing. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child. Members, $10 and $8. Call (508) 929-2703 for reservations.

Keeper Caper: Mammals
Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.
Become a real-life wildlife keeper when you go behind the scenes with EcoTarium's staff to learn the ins and outs of caring for polar bears, foxes and more. Two hours. Reservations required Call (508) 929-2703. Ages 6 and up. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child plus museum admission.

Wild Toys
Sunday, April 25, 2 p.m.
Make a toy for a fox and watch it play. What would entertain an otter? From special scents to puzzling feeders, it's time to get creative. Dress for walking outdoors. 90 minutes. Ages 6 and up; $5 plus admission. Members, $4. 90 minutes.

Family Preschool Day: Eggstravaganza
Saturday, May 1
Programs at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Why are robin's eggs blue? Go on an egg hunt and explore colors, patterns and shapes of eggs in nature during this 30-minute children's program. Call (508) 929-2703 to register. Ages 3-5. Cost is $5/child with parent(s) plus admission. Members, $4.

Keeper Caper: Mammals
Sunday, May 2
10 a.m.
Become a real-life wildlife keeper when you go behind the scenes with EcoTarium's staff to learn the ins and outs of caring for polar bears, foxes and more. Two hours. Reservations required Call (508) 929-2703. Ages 6 and up. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child plus museum admission. Members, $10, 8.

Sky-High Safari
Sundays, May 2 and 9.
Programs at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Get a bird's eye view of the forest as you walk through the treetops with a knowledgeable guide. Use cameras, field guides and your senses to identify trees and what lives in their upper reaches. Guided one-hour travels on the Tree Canopy Walkway are an experience you won't find anywhere else. Reservations recommended. Children must be 7 or older and accompanied by an adult. Members, $10. Non-members, $12 plus admission. To reserve, call (508) 929-2703.

Jupiter and its Moons SkyWatch
Friday, May 7
8 p.m.
The large planet Jupiter and four of its large moons are visible in our telescopes on this night. Watch as one moon&emdash; Io&emdash; appears and another &endash; Europa&emdash; disappears. And don't miss your first good look this year at the great Hercules Cluster of 100,000 stars, located far away yet in our own galaxy. Planetarium program and telescope viewing. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child. Members, $10 and $8. Call (508) 929-2703 for reservations.

Kayaking for Beginners
Saturday, May 8
1 p.m.
Join the experts from Eastern Mountain Sports for an introduction to today's hottest water adventure: kayaking. $55 per person. Advance registration required. Call (508) 929-2703.

Brew Moon Bash
Saturday, May 22
6 p.m. &endash; 8 p.m.
Line up your friends to sample tasty microbrews as you wander amidst frogs of all shapes and colors in the enchanting exhibit, Frogs! Tickets include five beer tastings, plenty of munchies, beermaking demonstration. Cash bar. Tickets, $15. Members, $10.

Sky-High Safari
Saturdays, May 22 and 29.
Programs at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Get a bird's eye view of the forest as you walk through the treetops with a knowledgeable guide. Use cameras, field guides and your senses to identify trees and what lives in their upper reaches. Guided one-hour travels on the Tree Canopy Walkway are an experience you won't find anywhere else. Reservations recommended. Children must be 7 or older and accompanied by an adult. Members, $10. Non-members, $12 plus admission. To reserve, call (508) 929-2703.

Keeper Caper: Mammals
Saturday, May 29
10 a.m.
Become a real-life wildlife keeper when you go behind the scenes with EcoTarium's staff to learn the ins and outs of caring for polar bears, foxes and more. Two hours. Reservations required. Call (508) 929-2703. Ages 6 and up. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child plus museum admission. Members, $10, 8. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA. www.ecotarium.org

Wild Toys
Sunday, May 30
2 p.m.
Make a toy for a fox and watch it play. What would entertain an otter? From special scents to puzzling feeders, it's time to get creative. Dress for walking outdoors. 90 minutes. Ages 6 and up; $5 plus admission. Members, $4. 90 minutes.

Family Preschool Day: Beautiful Butterflies
Saturday, June 5
Programs at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Butterflies, dragonflies and even houseflies have paper-thin wings. How are they so strong? Make your own butterfly and more. 30 minutes. Call (508) 929-2703 to register. Ages 3-5. Cost is $5/child with parent(s) plus admission. Members, $4.

Keeper Caper: Birds
Sunday, June 6
10 a.m.
Become a real-life wildlife keeper when you go behind the scenes with EcoTarium's staff to learn the ins and outs of bird care. Two hours. Reservations required Call (508) 929-2703. Ages 6 and up. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child plus museum admission. Members, $10, 8.

Sky-High Safari
Sundays, June 6 and13.
Programs at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Get a bird's eye view of the forest as you walk through the treetops with a knowledgeable guide. Use cameras, field guides and your senses to identify trees and what lives in their upper reaches. Guided one-hour travels on the Tree Canopy Walkway are an experience you won't find anywhere else. Reservations recommended. Children must be 7 or older and accompanied by an adult. Members, $10. Non-members, $12 plus admission. To reserve, call (508) 929-2703.

Venus in Transit SkyWatch Special Event
Tuesday, June 8
4 - 7 a.m.
We can promise you've never seen this before. Enjoy a live planetarium program, solar viewing and coffee and doughnuts to start your day. If you don't like to get up early, make an adventure of it and stay overnight at the EcoTarium. Morning event: Members: $10 adult, $8 child. Non-members: $12, $10. Overnight event: Members, $26 per person. Non-members, $33. Reservations required. Call (508) 929-2703 to reserve.

Jazz at Sunset Season Opener with Shawnn Monteiro
Friday, June 11
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Internationally renowned jazz vocalist Shawnn Monteiro has made her mark in jazz, performing from Paris to New York. Now, she kicks off the 2004 season of Central Massachusetts' legendary outdoor concert series. Kick back, pack a picnic and start your weekend off right. Concerts held under tent if threat of rain. Advance tickets purchased by the Wednesday prior to the concert are $13, $11 for EcoTarium/WICN members. Call (508) 929-2703 to purchase. After that time, cost is $16, $14 for members.

Hikers Checklist Clinic
Saturday, June 12
1 p.m.
Don't forget the essentials. This one-hour clinic with Eastern Mountain Sports will get you ready for a summer outdoors. Free with admission.

Jazz at Sunset with Greg Abate Quintet, featuring Claudio Roditi
Friday, June 18
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Saxophonist Greg Abate is widely considered among jazz aficionados to be one of the "best post bebop alto players" out there today. Enjoy his critically acclaimed sound at Central Massachusetts' legendary outdoor concert series. Kick back, pack a picnic and start your weekend off right. Concerts held under tent if threat of rain. Advance tickets purchased by the Wednesday prior to the concert are $13, $11 for EcoTarium/WICN members. Call (508) 929-2703 to purchase. After that time, cost is $16, $14 for members.

Center of the Milky Way SkyWatch
Friday, June 18
9 p.m.
It's a great time of year to look towards the center of the galaxy, where you can see nebulous clouds, open star clusters and globular clusters. Find out all about them in the planetarium before heading out for telescope viewing. Also view the constellation Scorpius rising. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child. Members, $10 and $8. Call (508) 929-2703 for reservations.

Sky-High Safari
Saturdays, June 19 and 26.
Programs at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Get a bird's eye view of the forest as you walk through the treetops with a knowledgeable guide. Use cameras, field guides and your senses to identify trees and what lives in their upper reaches. Guided one-hour travels on the Tree Canopy Walkway are an experience you won't find anywhere else. Reservations recommended. Children must be 7 or older and accompanied by an adult. Members, $10. Non-members, $12 plus admission. To reserve, call (508) 929-2703.

Dad's Day in the Meadow
Sunday, June 20
There's no lawn to mow in our meadow! Bring along the dad or granddad in your life and explore the new exhibits along EcoTarium's meadow trail. Special activities indoors and out. Dads and granddads receive free admission.

Jazz at Sunset with Wannetta Jackson
Friday, June 25
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Wannetta Jackson's sweet soul sound is the feature at Central Massachusetts' legendary outdoor concert series on this evening. Kick back, pack a picnic and start your weekend off right. Concerts held under tent if threat of rain. Advance tickets purchased by the Wednesday prior to the concert are $13, $11 for EcoTarium/WICN members. Call (508) 929-2703 to purchase. After that time, cost is $16, $14 for members.

Keeper Caper: Mammals
Saturday, June 26
10 a.m.
Become a real-life wildlife keeper when you go behind the scenes with EcoTarium's staff to learn the ins and outs of caring for polar bears, foxes and more. Two hours. Reservations required Call (508) 929-2703. Ages 6 and up. Cost is $12 adult, $10 child plus museum admission. Members, $10, 8.

Wild Toys
Sunday, June 27
2 p.m.
Make a toy for a fox and watch it play. What would entertain an otter? From special scents to puzzling feeders, it's time to get creative. Dress for walking outdoors. 90 minutes. Ages 6 and up; $5 plus admission. Members, $4. 90 minutes. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA. (508) 929-2700. www.ecotarium.org

Visit these exhibits and more:

The Mercury Story
What's the story with mercury in our rivers and lakes? Find out with a visit to this interactive exhibit&emdash; now back at the EcoTarium. Discover how toxic levels of this common metal gets into our waterways, how it affects wildlife and people, and what you can do about it. Free with museum admission.

MicroDiner
Pull up a stool at this 1950s-style "diner" and take a closer look at microscopic objects found in nature. Open selected hours for hands-on programming. Check daily schedule online at www.ecotarium.org.

Water Planet
This exhibit defines the ways in which water makes life on earth possible. Explore water's geological impact, marine life, drinking water distribution and more. Find out what you can do to conserve our most precious resource.

Freshwater
Pond, bog, marsh, swamp and woodland stream ecosystems are replicated to illustrate the biodiversity of critical freshwater habitats.

Look, Touch, Explore
Open cupboards and drawers for a tactile exploration of life in and around a tree, enhanced with live animals and enchanting artwork.

Discovery Room
The Discovery Room is a place where adults and young children can play and share discovery. Stop by and visit with live ferrets, try out some of this season's featured nature activities, play with animal puppets, or pick up a storybook and read with your little one. The Discovery Room is open during museum hours for self-guided exploration.

Enjoy a stellar show under simulated skies in our planetarium. Regular programs are offered on weekends; April Vacation weekday programs will follow the Saturday schedule. To confirm program times, call (508) 929-2700 or visit our web site at www.ecotarium.org. Tickets $3 per person.

Night Skies of Spring
When is it officially spring? Learn what occurs in the sky to begin this heralded season. Then tour the night sky with our astronomer to discover what you can see without a telescope. What's on astronomers' minds this season? We'll tell you. 35 minutes. Ages 8 and up. Saturdays, March 20 through June 19 at 2:15 p.m. and Sundays, March 21 through June 20 at 2:30 p.m.

The Summer Sky Tonight
Take a visual tour of summer skies with our astronomer to discover what you can see without a telescope. With the Milky Way showing high overhead, you'll spot many stunning constellations this time of year. What's on astronomers' minds this summer? We'll tell you. 35 minutes. Ages 8 and up. Sunday, June 21 through Monday, September 6. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Labor Day at 2:15 p.m. and Sundays, at 2:30 p.m.

What's Up?
Young astronomers join us for a look at the clouds, sun, moon, stars and other things that are "up". 25 minutes. Ages 3-5. Saturdays at noon and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. through June. Plus, April 19-23 at noon.

EcoTarium, a center for environmental exploration, is a unique indoor/outdoor museum with exhibits dedicated to exploring nature, indoor and outdoor wildlife habitats for non-releasable animals, interpretive trails, an award-winning meadow, a planetarium, the region's only treetop adventure, and a narrow-gauge train. The museum, located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, Mass., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Open selected Monday holidays and school vacations. Regular museum admission is $8 adults, $6 child 3-18, seniors and college students. Free parking available. For information, call (508) 929-2700 or email info@ecotarium.org.