The Bellows Falls Fish Ladder and Visitor Center Opens for the Summer; Open House on June 15th and Weekly Free Kids Programming begins June 18th

Join us to discover the Connecticut River Watershed through the unique perspective of the Bellows Falls Fish Ladder and Visitor Center! Open on Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend from 10 to 4, you can experience a bird's eye view of the fish ladder from above, and also experience a fish's eye view from below by gazing through our large viewing windows that look directly into the flowing water of the fish ladder. Knowledgeable educators will be available to greet visitors and answer questions.

On Saturday, June 15th, we will be hosting an Open House with a special presentation by Vermont Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Biologist, Lael Will. Lael has done work for fisheries across the country and has been working with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department since 2012. Notably, part of Lael's work focuses on monitoring several migrating fish species that use the fish ladder in Bellows Falls including the American eel, Sea Lamprey, and American Shad. From 11 to 12, Lael will give a presentation about her work and share her knowledge surrounding migrating fish species in Vermont and will be available to answer questions from visitors. In the afternoon join us for a World of Owls program presented by our Senior Environmental Educator Jay DeGregorio from 2-2:45. This program is geared towards the whole family, young and old! Learn about what makes these often nocturnal raptors so special. From silent flight to night-time sight, these birds of prey who call Vermont home are truly magnificent! Get a chance to check-out some great hands-on owl biofacts and ask Jay all about owls.

Beginning Tuesday, June 18 - Saturday, August 10 join us for our Summer Unplugged Program series. This FREE environmental education programming will be happening at local libraries on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and at the Visitor Center on Fridays and Saturdays. These kid-focused programs will focus on all kinds of fun nature-themed topics with hands-on items, pictures, a story reading, and a craft making activity. These programs are led by The Nature Museum's knowledgeable Environmental Educators. Programs topics include "Nature's Amazing Adaptations," "Righteous Reptile and Awesome Amphibians," and "Who Eats What At Nature's Dinner Table?" just to name a few. For more details on each week's programming at local libraries and the Visitor Center, visit www.nature-museum.org. This programming is made possible thanks to generous support from Great River Hydro.

Stop by and enjoy these special programs and exhibits of the Visitor Center, which guide visitors of all ages through the ecology of this amazing river and its habitats. Learn about the fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds who live here. Walk below the water level and watch the water rush past - you may be surprised what you see! Discover the history of the fish ladder, and be sure to meet the newest member of the fish ladder team: Bernie, a full-size, historic diving suit used in the 1970s by technicians at the fish ladder.

The Nature Museum, celebrating their 30th summer season, operates the Visitor Center on behalf of Great River Hydro, owner of the fish ladder as well as the hydroelectric facility in Bellows Falls, Vermont. The Visitor Center is located at 17 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls. The Nature Museum creates experiences that engage and enlighten audiences of all ages, and inspire stewardship of our natural world through natural history exhibits, nature programs for adults and children, the summer operation of the Bellows Falls Fish Ladder Visitor Center, and the annual Fairy House Festival in September. Learn more at www.nature-museum.org.