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

(WORCESTER, MA)&emdash; There's no excuse to stay inside this winter! EcoTarium is opening its extensive grounds for snowshoeing and ice skating beginning in January 2004. When the temperatures drop and the snow falls, the museum's grounds become a winter wonderland of snow-capped trees and trails and frozen ponds.

Bundled up museum visitors are likely to see hearty red fox, playful otters and an arctic polar bear out enjoying the seasonal temperatures. And the Explorer Express train isn't afraid of a little cold. The train is running all winter long on its winter schedule.

As the snow falls, visitors who own snowshoes are invited to bring them along and enjoy the EcoTarium's snowy trails around an icy pond and through the forest. Weather-permitting, visitors may also bring along their skates for scenic family ice skating on the museum's upper pond.

Also new this winter, the EcoTarium is teaming with outdoor experts from Eastern Mountain Sports to offer a series of monthly "clinics" featuring snowshoe techniques and other outdoor skills:

• Snowshoe Clinic January 3 and 17, February 7 and 21, March 6 and 20, 1 p.m.
  Make this the winter you take up a new sport. Join the experts from EMS for a lesson in basic snowshoe techniques. Then put your skills to practice on the EcoTarium's snow-dusted trails and stop along the way for a special red fox encounter. Weather permitting. Snowshoe rental is $12 adult, $9 child (plus museum admission). Ages 7 and up. 90 minutes. Call (508) 929-2703 to register the Wednesday before.

• Layering for Winter Saturday, January 10, 1 p.m.
  Ready for a winter hike or winter stargazing? Not until you've been here first. Let the experts show you what to wear and how to wear it to ensure you're dry, warm and happy this winter. Presented in conjunction with Eastern Mountain Sports. Free with admission.

• Navigation 101 Saturday, February 14, 1 p.m.
  Don't know where you're headed? Outdoor experts will point you in the right direction with map and compass. Whether you want to position your satellite dish or bushwhack through the backwoods, this clinic is for you. Presented in conjunction with Eastern Mountain Sports. Free with admission.

• Outdoor Essentials Saturday, March 13, 1 p.m.
  What are the 10 essentials to take with you on a day hike? What happens if you're get separated from your group, or just plain lost? If you're heading outdoors with children, you won't want to miss this important introduction to outdoor skills. Presented in conjunction with Eastern Mountain Sports. Free with admission.

Of course, there's plenty to do inside the museum as well. A new exhibit, The Hidden World of Bears, featuring the work of world-renowned black bear scientist Dr. Lynn Rogers, opens January 24&emdash; a day devoted to bears. Dr. Rogers, often referred to as the Jane Goodall of the black bear world, has spent 33 years in the wild with these amazing animals and what he's learned will stop you in your tracks. This traveling exhibit, which includes stunning close up photographs of bears in action, sound, video and artifacts, runs through March 28.

EcoTarium is an indoor-outdoor museum dedicated to exploring the natural world. The museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats, interpretive nature trails, ponds, an award-winning meadow, a planetarium, and a narrow-gauge railroad. 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 Mondays during school vacation weeks. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for seniors, college students and children ages 3-18. Free parking is available. For information, please call (508) 929-2700 or email info@ecotarium.org.

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