Collin Parker             
Fletcher Allen Public Relations
802-847-2886

Steven Leibman
ECHO at the Leahy Center
802-864-1848 ext. 125

ECHO and UVM Bring Multimedia Exhibit to New Children’s Specialty Center at Fletcher Allen Health Care

BURLINGTON, VT – ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain and the University of Vermont brought one of the popular EcoDetective Challenge multimedia interactive exhibits to the new Children’s Specialty Center at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care when the unit opened on Monday, October 24.

The EcoDetective Challenge was created through a partnership between ECHO and UVM, and its installation in the waiting area of the Children’s Specialty Center was made possible through the generous support from the law firm of O’Neill Kellner & Green.

“We’re very pleased to welcome the ECHO exhibit to the waiting area of the new Children’s Specialty Center,” said Practice Supervisor Maureen Leopold.  “I know that the kids will just love having it there, and I think their parents will enjoy it, too.”

ECHO Executive Director Phelan Fretz said, “ECHO, in partnership with UVM, is excited to bring EcoDetective Challenge, our popular and engaging exhibit experience, to Fletcher Allen. The availability of a fun, educational exhibit will greatly enhance the waiting room experience, and help kids be kids during that time.”

This exhibit is the fourth EcoDetective Challenge created; the other three are at ECHO.  It combines research happening at UVM and other institutions with interactive games designed to engage children and their families in “real” science. EcoDetective players can participate in “Totally Turtle TV”, hear as the “FBI – Fish Bureau of Investigation” discloses the “Most Wanted Fish” list, and follow along with other EcoDetectives as they unravel the case of “Mr. Blue Green Algae,” and more.

 “We developed this exhibit to convey the fun and excitement of scientific investigation,” said Mary Watzin, director of UVM’s Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory.  “We hope the EcoDetective Challenge can provide an entertaining and engrossing diversion for children and their families at Fletcher Allen.” 

Michael Green, of O'Neill Kellner & Green said, "We all sympathize with the children who require specialized medical care. We are very pleased to help to provide those children and their families some relief in a difficult time."

The EcoDetective Challenge exhibits were originally designed and produced by a partnership between ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, the University of Vermont and Stu McGowan/Noodlehead Productions. The initial exhibit development was funded by the University of Vermont, the US EPA EMPACT program and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

About ECHO

ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a world-class lake aquarium and science center on historic Burlington Waterfront. ECHO features over 60 species of live fish, amphibians and reptiles, with more than 100 hands-on exhibits, and hosts traveling exhibits several times a year. The site is also highlighted by the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial and heroic “Lone Sailor” statue. ECHO’s mission is to educate and delight people about the ecology, culture, history and opportunities for stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin.