On Nov. 21, University of Vermont students in Pat Erickson’s Advanced Zoos, Exotics, and Endangered Species class delivered on a semester-long promise: they designed and managed a one-day conservation exhibit at Burlington's ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center.

The educational extravaganza -- "Conserve Vermont, Conserve the World: Love without Borders" -- taught children and adults alike about the challenges and importance of species conservation both locally and worldwide. Students discussed conservation concerns from bees to elephants at six different specialized, engaging stations. Children played in the echolocation cave and a kid-sized beehive, while UVM students discussed conservation science and management with visitors of all ages. 

See photos from the event:

Josie Davis, associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, learns about "colony collapse disorder" from animal and veterinary sciences students Addie Binstock, Courtney Gloutzer, Nicholas Tatakis, Rheannon Burris and Taylor Jero.

A young visitor plays a conservation game with junior Meixian Huang.

Children interacted throughout the day at student-created exhibits from bees to raptors to elephants.

The first face painting at the big cat table with junior Maggie Batton.

From table to table, children collected stamps for their species passports as they learned about causes and consequences of species endangerment.

In front of the bat echolocation cave, Professor Pat Erickson with her students Sylvie Zackrone, Emma Jacoby, and Leah Sosis.

PUBLISHED

11-24-2015
University Communications