Discovery Science and Nature Drop-in at OPG Visitor Centre this March Break

Cornwall –  The Ontario Power Generation Visitor Centre in Cornwall will be a hub for science and nature for the entire family this March Break from March 13 through March 17 from 10 am to 12:30 pm.  Through a partnership between OPG and the River Institute, free drop-in sessions will be led by a team of local scientists, naturalists, and volunteers. Designed to be fun as well as interactive, “Discovery Science and Nature” is back by popular demand, following up on last year’s program that introduced a wide range of interactive activities to children and visitors of all ages.  OPG’s Visitor Centre will play host to “Science and Nature Stations” that feature experiments, arts and crafts, plants, animals, and displays all focussing on discovery.  Visitors will leave each session with take away items that highlight the theme of the day.

Some very special guests have also been invited to join in on the fun.  Matt Ellerbeck  from “Save Our Salamanders” will bring along his colourful cast of live critters on Wednesday morning and Dr. Brian Hickey will be all about bats and bat houses on Thursday. On Friday, March 17^th the Visitor Centre goes green with local artist and environmentalist Jacqueline Milner who will lead a “make it and take it” nature arts and crafts workshop.

“We are very grateful to the OPG and the Visitor Centre for our ongoing partnership with respect to science. In particular, this program provides a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to be engaged by science as well as nature,” said Jeff Ridal, Executive Director of the River Institute.

This year’s program coordinator Josh Filion from the River Institute adds, “It’s fun for the education team from the River Institute to be able see families come together and learn about science and nature in a hands on learning location like the Visitor Centre.”

The River Institute Science and Nature Discovery Science Team will be on hand at the Visitor Centre from 10 am to 12:30 pm on March 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17^th.  OPG St. Lawrence River Power Development Visitor Centre is located at 2500 2^nd Street. West Cornwall, Ontario.  For more information visit www.riverinstitute.ca.

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Media Contact:

Karen Douglass Cooper

Communications / Community Outreach Officer

Remedial Action Plan Coordinator

St. Lawrence River (Cornwall)

St. Lawrence River Institute of

Environmental Sciences

2 St. Lawrence Drive

Cornwall, ON  K6H 4Z1

kcooper@riverinstitute.ca

www.riverinstitute.ca

(613) 936-6620 (ext.229)