Thursday, March 28, 2024

EcoTarium’s Tree Canopy Walkway Opens for Summer

Worcester, MA, USA (June 18, 2012) /PRWEB/ — The EcoTarium’s Tree Canopy Walkway, the only one in New England, is a unique and exciting opportunity to explore life in the treetops. On a series of platforms and rope bridges suspended high above the ground in a grove of oak and hickory trees, kids and adults make their way from tree to tree just as scientists do in tropical and temperate forests around the world. Then, strapped in a secure chair harness, they end their sky-high adventure with a zipline ride to the ground.

The Tree Canopy Walkway will be open for the summer daily from June 26 through August 19.

During the past 2 decades, scientists have begun to 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 ingenious 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.


The EcoTarium’s walkway, opened in July 1999, was the first in the country created for public use. Modeled after those built for scientific research, the series of rope bridges and platforms was designed and constructed by Canopy Construction Associates, based in Amherst, Massachusetts. The company, all experienced canopy researchers and builders, have also installed walkways in Belize, Ecuador, Borneo and the Peruvian Amazon.


About the EcoTarium
The EcoTarium is New England’s leading science and nature center, an indoor-outdoor venue dedicated to inspiring a passion for science and nature in visitors of all ages. The center offers a museum building with three floors of interactive exhibits, live indoor and outdoor animal habitats, interpretive nature trails through forest and meadow, the Alden Digital Planetarium, a tree canopy walkway (seasonal), and a narrow-gauge railroad.

The EcoTarium, 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. Admission is $14 for adults, $8 for children 2-18, $10 for seniors 65+ and students with ID. Parking is free. For more information, visit http://www.ecotarium.org.
Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

Related Articles

Latest Articles