ECHO Center welcomes its millionth visitor

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, greeted its millionth visitor at 2:05 p.m., on May 18, 2009. Longtime ECHO Member Linda Sanderson was welcomed with a special celebration by ECHO staff members, where she received a free, lifetime ECHO Membership, a gift package from ECHO’s Eclectic Gift Shop, and a Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Executive Director Phelan Fretz. Said Sanderson: “The exhibits at ECHO are always so great and I’m always interested in them, so a lifetime Membership is perfect!”Sanderson was accompanied by ECHO regulars Ben and John Stamatis, as well as Rebecca Bartlett and Zach Usadi-Henrickson.Executive Director Phelan Fretz: “We’re ecstatic to have reached this high level of community and tourist visitation, thrilled to have done so six months ahead of our original forecast, and look forward to continuing our mission of inspiring stewardship in the Lake Champlain Basin and beyond.”Since its opening On May 31, 2003, ECHO has enjoyed a steady increase in visitors each year, and currently boasts 150,000 guests annually. The institution has recently been designated as “Best Aquarium” in Yankee Magazine’s Editor’s Choice 2010 “Best of New England” issue.
Source: ECHO. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is located at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, on Vermont’s Burlington Waterfront. ECHO features 70 live species, more than 100 interactive experiences, changing and permanent exhibits, and seasonal events — all exploring the Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunity for stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin. The 2.2 acre Leahy Center environmental campus is also highlighted by the Lake Champlain Basin Program Resource Room, UVM’s Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory, Lake Champlain Navy Memorial, ECHO’s Eclectic Gift Shop, and ecology-themed Think! Café. Open year-round, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information visit echovermont.org, call 877.324.6386, or write to ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, One College Street, Burlington, VT 05401.