BAY VILLAGE, Ohio -- A huge loss during the recent months of the coronavirus pandemic was the temporary closing of the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center in Bay Village.
The mission of the center is to connect children and families with nature. It would have been the perfect activity to keep homebound children excited and interested about learning.
Good to know that the unique center is open once again. And now they are conducting family tours and re-establishing their intake of injured wildlife, as well.
“Come see our resident animals again on a pre-registered guided tour for your group of up to six people,” said Executive Director Catherine Timko. “Our program specialists will lead the tour of live animal exhibits and tell you how we care for our residents and treat rehabilitation patients.”
Guided tours cost $75 per family. Advance registration is required at www.lensc.org.
Other services are available again, as well, Timko said.
“Your support at this important time makes it possible for us to respond to public inquiries, care for resident animals and transferred patients, make available virtual learning resources, and offer nature activity kits for children and families,” she said.
Of course, just like everywhere else, masks and physical distancing are in order at the center, too.
“We care about you, your family and our employees,” said Timko, “and we are following protocols recommended by the State of Ohio and Ohio Department of Health to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.”
The rules include the following:
· Face masks are worn by employees and are required of all visitors over the age of 7
· Face masks are strongly recommended for children ages 3-6
· Visitors are encouraged to bring their own masks, but the center will provide them if necessary
· Hand-sanitizing stations and hand-washing facilities are available throughout the building
· Physical distances of 6 feet will be maintained at all times
· Indoor public areas will be regularly cleaned and sanitized
· Visitors are asked to self-monitor for virus symptoms prior to arrival
· Visitors are asked to stay home if they are ill, if diagnosed with COVID-19 or if residing with someone diagnosed with the virus.
Timko also noted that visitors to the center “will see facility and exhibit changes that help to protect people and animals and to allow for recommended cleaning and sanitizing of the facility.”
Intake of injured wildlife from members of the public is resuming by pre-scheduled appointments, she said. “The wildlife services will continue to be offered at no charge.”
However, people seeking assistance for wildlife must call 440-871-2900 or email wildlife@lensc.org prior to coming to the center. Due to high demand for services, Timko said to please anticipate leaving a message for the wildlife specialists, who will return the call.
Animals will not be accepted into the facility without a pre-scheduled appointment, she said.
Note: Registration for 2020-2021 preschool classes has been postponed. The center’s team is redesigning programs and making preparations to resume general admission and offerings that will also follow recommended health protocols.
“The mission of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center to connect children and families with nature is more important than ever,” Timko said, “and we will continue to deliver our mission in new ways.
“As a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations, grants and program fees. Donations may be made at www.lensc.org.”
Read more from the West Shore Sun.