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App Accessibility Initiative
Our goal is to improve the EcoTarium app by integrating accessibility-focused features that ensure all users, regardless of ability, can navigate and interact with its resources seamlessly. By addressing diverse needs, we aim to make the app a more inclusive tool that complements the EcoTarium’s mission of connecting visitors with science and nature in an engaging and equitable way.
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The EcoTarium
The EcoTarium is a renowned science and nature museum located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Established in 1825 as the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History, it has evolved into a hub for education, exploration, and innovation. Today, the EcoTarium offers hands-on exhibits, interactive experiences, and outdoor exploration areas that inspire curiosity about science, technology, and the natural world.
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Special Thanks
Eric Zago from the EcoTarium,Prof. Rodica Neamtu from WPI
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Developers
Sophia Kalavantis,Myles St. Jean,Arnav Mishra,Parker Frizzle,Owen McGinley,Brandon Vuong,Dylan Olmsted,Joe Fox,Dylan Phillips
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Service Road (Staff Only)
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Privacy Policy A hidden item to host the Privacy Policy for the prototype app
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Animal Corner Animal Corner is home to many of ambassador animals, including a woodchuck, american kestrel, tarantula, frog and more!
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Woodchuck Woodchuck: Marmota monax
True Hibernators? Unlike most native New England species. woodchucks are true
hibernators. This means that woodchucks will sleep all winter long. During the fall season, woodchucks will eat continuously and nearly double their weight. When they enter hibernation, their core body temperatures lower to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and their heartbeat slows from to 4 beats per minute!
How fit do you think they are?
You might think that with their chunky bodies and short limbs woodchucks aren't
very athletic. Surprisingly, they are actually very good climbers, runners, and diggers.
They will often climb trees to eat leaves, stems. and berries. Woodchucks also dig
large burrows up to 50 feet long that they will live in year round.
We are Family
Woodchucks are members of Sciuridae, the squirrel family. They are closely related to prairie dogs and marmots. Like all squirrels, woodchucks must wear down their
continuously growing teeth. Unlike tree squirrels who wear down their
teeth by prying open nuts and seeds, woodchucks gnaw on leaves and
grasses instead.
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River Otter Pergola
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River Otters
Sometimes our river otters stay in their tank and swim. Other times they come out to the open area to play or eat. Otter enrichment, training and feedings happen at this location. You can book a an Otter Encounter to get up close and feed them their favorite foods at https://ecotarium.org/exhibit/otter-encounter/
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Eagle and Owl Group
Group marker for owl and eagle
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Sundial Group
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Road Crossing: Otter Path
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Sharp Curve in Otter Path Hazard
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Sundial Plaza Driveway Barricade Hazard
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Lower Lot Path Curvy Path Hazard
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Owls and Eagles Alert
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50 Stairs Hazard
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Kiosk: What Happens when Pollution Runs into a Pond
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OSS Attributions A hidden item to host the OSS Attributions for the prototype app
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Mountain Lions
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Entrance Path
The entrance path brings guests from the upper parking lot to the Sundial Plaza and the main entrance. Along the way their are two animal habitats, the Bald Eagles and the Great Horned Owls. As one heads from the parking lot up to the Sundial Plaza, the Bald Eagles are ony our left, and the Great Horned Owls are on your right.
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Bird Habitats This area includes several enclosures, currently housing our Corvids and Turkey Vultures.
The corvid family is made up of over 120 species. Ravens are a member of the corvid family. Other common members of that family are crows, magpies, and jays. Corvids can be found all over the world except Antarctica.
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Bald Eagle
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Wild Cat Station
This area, home to our Mountain Lions and Bird Habitats also offers benches and a nature viewing opportunity.