The Eco-Labs consist of five learning stations:                                                           

The Water Lab demonstrates the hydrologic cycle, including a greywater system, rainwater harvesting catchment and a bioswale as opportunities to complete the cycle at home. The Water Shed serves as our mobile, interactive, water education piece that compliments the outdoor lab.   

The Food Lab features a greenhouse, raised vegetable beds and an outdoor classroom, where participants learn about seed germination, soil quality, the life cycle of plants, and food harvesting and preparation.          

The Waste Lab, which includes a chicken coop, orchard, vermicomposting bins, and a recycling demonstration—shows participants how waste is an important part of natural cycles.  Students feed worms and scraps to the chickens, and then collect manure to fertilize the trees in the orchard.

The Energy Lab encourages participants to explore the different energy sources and needs of The Ecology Center’s home, the historic Congdon House. Participants learn about passive solar orientation, energy efficiency and alternative technologies, such as our solar panel system.

The Shelter Lab is the final station of the Eco-Labs series, and includes native plants and a traditional kiiche shelter. Here, participants learn about the historical relationship between people and plants and how those living in the area before us relied on their knowledge of native landscape and environmental cycles for survival.              

The Eco-Labs serve as the focus of our school field trips, for general visitors during public open hours, and for other special events throughout the year.