National Estuaries Day Celebration and Clean-Up September 27, 2008

Did you know that the health of estuaries is critical to our health? Or that estuaries are vital for migratory animals? Tap into your “green” side, and learn more about the importance of protecting our estuaries during Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s National Estuaries Day Celebration and Clean-up on September 27 and 28.

On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors to the aquarium can participate in fun and educational activities and games, hear stories, listen to kid-friendly music and watch live animal presentations. Children will have the opportunity to make an official pledge to the environment, participate in a scavenger hunt to learn about estuarine environments and meet costumed characters representing estuary animals. An estuary learning center will feature field guides and estuary posters, as well as information on how pollution affects estuaries like the local Long Island Sound.

On-site exhibitors will include Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s very own Animal Stranding Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nature’s Art Museum/Dinosaur Place, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, the Department of Environmental Protection, Save the Sound and Horizon Wings, who will conduct live raptor presentations.

This year’s National Estuaries Day Celebration is made possible by a generous grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

On Sunday, join millions of others around the world by participating in the annual International Coastal Clean-Up Initiative. Volunteers will join aquarium staff from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a coastal clean-up at Bluff Point State Park in Groton.

National Estuaries Day began in 1988 as part of Coast Weeks to educate the public on the importance of estuaries and the need to protect them. Situated between the Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay estuaries, the aquarium is the perfect place to celebrate this important day and learn about these fascinating ecosystems.

Celebration
Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT

Clean-up
Sunday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bluff Point State Park, Depot Rd., Groton, CT

COST: Saturday’s activities are free with aquarium admission: adults $24, seniors $21, children (3 to 17) $18, children 2 and under are free. Participation in the clean-up is free.

For more information, please contact Mary Ellen Mataleska at (860) 572-5955, ext. 156. Reservations for the 28th International Coastal Clean-up on September 28 are required. Please call (860) 572-5955, ext. 520.

Official Website: http://www.mysticaquarium.org