The Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center. is located at Ridge Ferry Park on Riverside Pkwy in Rome.
Photo Credit: E.C.O. Center
What is the E.C.O. Center?
Rome City and Floyd County use a lot of water; because of the amount of water we use the city and county are federally required to have a water education program in place for the residents. The E.C.O. Center building was built in 1893 to house the city’s original freshwater pump. The building was renovated in 2006 and opened as the E.C.O Center in 2011.
The Center has a fun assortment of aquariums, exhibits, and outdoor learning stations! There is a large variety of native animals in live exhibits. These exhibits showcase the animals’ habitats and teach visitors how to identify these animals in the wild.
The E.C.O. Center has outdoor exhibits as well, the Wetlands Demonstration area and the Ridge and Valley Garden give a glimpse at the local biomes. There is even a Butterfly Trail to wander through and enjoy outside!
Wetland demonstration area in Spring and Fall
The E.C.O. Center is run by a team with some neat credentials! You might even encourage your kids to ask the staff about their current jobs and the jobs that led them to the E.C.O. Center. Director Ben Winkelman was once a Deputy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent! The others have backgrounds in Biology, Education, and Chemistry with a couple graduating from Berry College. This group would be a great group to talk to for job projects in school and don’t forget to check out their awesome educational programs by following them on Facebook or checking their website.
Photo Credit: E.C.O. Center
Who, When, and Where?
The E.C.O. Center is open to the public, with free admission. They also host groups, small groups of less than 50 during this season of social distancing. The best time to visit is Monday-Thursday between 1 pm and 4 pm. They have other times open but typically host larger groups during those times. Give them a call to see if you can visit at another time. The E.C.O. Center is conveniently located at Ridge Ferry Park. Spend an afternoon having a picnic at the park, playing on the pirate ship playground, and learning about the native wildlife! The E.C.O. Center staff are wonderful at creating new experiences for our local homeschoolers. Check out their events page or give them a call to find out what homeschool workshop they have coming next!
