Maritime Aquarium Offers Teens Opps to Gain Hands-On Conservation Experience

Norwalk, CT – High school students who are passionate about conservation and the environment have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field and become stewards of Long Island Sound at The Maritime Aquarium this spring. Applications for the aquarium’s unique Education Conservation Heritage and Outreach Program (ECHO) are open now through Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The Maritime Aquarium Associate Director of Education Ann Marie Lisi said, “ECHO is an exciting way for teens to start exploring careers in marine biology or environmental science. Not only will they learn about the science, they will also develop interpersonal and leadership skills that will benefit them beyond high school – no matter the career they decide to pursue!”

ECHO is a year-round program that allows teens to develop interpretation, program evaluation, curriculum development, and community science skills. Each trimester, participants graduate to higher levels of responsibility and mentor those at lower levels. They will also staff interactive displays and lead aquarium guests through mission-aligned activities.

During the spring and fall trimesters, students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of service, including two shifts per month on weekends and holidays. During the summer trimester, they are expected they are expected to complete a minimum of 60 hours of service, including six shifts per month on weekdays.

Applicants must be age 14 – 18 and currently enrolled in high school. Interviews for ECHO will be held virtually on Jan. 17, and Jan. 19. Mandatory training sessions will be held on Jan. 26, Feb. 2, and Feb. 4. 

For more information, visit maritimeaquarium.org/volunteer.

THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK, 10 N. Water Street, Norwalk, CT; (203) 852-0700, www.MaritimeAquarium.org. The only aquarium focused on Long Island Sound presents sharks, seals, river otters, sea turtles, jellyfish and more than 350 other species from Long Island Sound and its watershed. Three staffed touch tanks offer hands-on close encounters with intertidal animals, sharks and rays, and jellyfish. “Meerkats” exhibit, plus “Just Add Water” exhibit features a tamarin, skunk, porcupine, quail and more.Plus, enjoy sensory-enhanced movies in a 4D theater, in-person and virtual educational programs for schools and families, and public cruises on the Sound aboard the hybrid-electric research vessel, R/V Spirit of the Sound.

An accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution whose mission is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science and environmental education. The Maritime Aquarium receives support from the State of Connecticut DECD’s Offices of Culture and Tourism.