EARTH Ltd. is completing a new home next to Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon.

EARTH Ltd., a non-profit conservation and nature education organization, will have a new home this summer next to Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon.

“We are really excited about the new EARTH Connection Center,” said Betsey Brewer, EARTH’s executive director and founder. “It will allow us to expand our programing, which explores the innate connection humans have with our planet and all living things, for both children and adults.”

She added, “There is nothing like the center locally. It will help us make every day Earth Day.”

Construction of the 3,000-square-foot, one-story building owned by EARTH Ltd. began last spring. The center features interactive spaces for presentations and animal encounters, a tranquil outdoor area and a rooftop deck for stargazing. It also will have a wall-size LED screen with surround sound offering visitors immersive experiences with nature, like an African safari or rainforest trek.

“We wanted a facility we could utilize year-round,” said Brewer. “We will be offering different programs for our members at times when people don’t normally come to visit. One program we’re planning is a special Valentine’s Day presentation for adults focusing on animal breeding. We also plan to have a February vacation week program for youngsters in addition to our regular Wild Adventure summer programs.”

Brewer is especially excited about the rooftop stargazing area.

“We will have couches up there and a telescope so people can view the stars and planets,” she said. Guest speakers will give presentations on celestial events. Craft programs for adults and youngsters are being planned, as are intimate animal encounters for EARTH members of all ages.

Brewer noted suggestions for other future programs are being gathered.

“We really want the community and our members to let us know what type of activities they would enjoy,” she said.

Besides being open to EARTH Ltd. members year-round, facilities at the new Connection Center may be rented out.

“We think people will really enjoy hosting an event on our rooftop deck or in the LED screen room,” said Brewer.

A soft opening of the EARTH Connection Center is set for Aug. 8, when EARTH hosts its annual Winos for Rhinos fundraiser.

“Our support of rhino conservation through Project Rhino is one of the conservation efforts EARTH assists,” said Brewer.

Others include Worth Wild Africa, the Trumpeter Swan project and the Bird Endowment.

A public grand opening for the new EARTH Connection Center is planned for September.

EARTH Ltd., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, began in 1999 as the conservation and education arm of Southwick’s Zoo.

“We have been growing slowly but steadily for 25 years,” Brewer said. “Every living thing and the earth are interconnected, and through our EARTH Ltd. programs, we try to help people become aware of how we interact with nature.”

EARTH programs also include rhino and sloth encounters plus the popular ZooMobile.

Individuals can visit EarthLtd.org for information about the EARTH Connection Center and EARTH Ltd., and to become a donor or an EARTH Ltd. member, which includes unlimited admission to Southwick’s Zoo.

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