Friday, May 8, 2020

Update from the Mystic Aquarium

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What we are going through right now is proof positive that the world is completely connected. We are truly in this together! Today it’s about all of us staying apart to remain healthy, staying connected while at a distance. We’re all doing our part! Togetherness - it really was critically important before and it will continue to be so beyond the COVID-19 pandemic as well.
We are incredibly proud that we have been a resource for some and a bright spot for others during this crisis. It is my hope that our guests and our community know that we will be here for them when this all passes too, to be educators and innovators in research and conservation, to be your inspiration. 
I have no doubt that you, too, will continue to be here for us as guests and ocean stewards, to support us and our important work. One thing I have really come to appreciate about Mystic, since joining the team, is the community support this Aquarium enjoys. It’s absolutely amazing!
        Until we meet again...
David Cochran
Curator of Fish & Invertebrates

Be an Ocean Ambassador Today



Lately all we hear about is what we can’t do. How about what we can? Your family CAN go outdoors- in your small family unit, that has been quarantining together already. Even with your masks on you can see and hear birds, frogs and more.
Is this a frog you already recognize? Listen Here.
Here at Mystic Aquarium one of our favorite Ocean Ambassadors programs is our amphibian monitoring citizen science projects, including FrogWatch USA. Fortunately, prior to start of the pandemic we were able to complete all five of our scheduled trainings with over 70 new Ocean Ambassadors trained! But even if you weren’t able to join us for a training this season, we encourage you to get outside (while following your local rules) and listen carefully to the calming sounds of frog calls.
Click here to learn more about the frogs in your area and listen to their unique calls. 

Many Faces of Essential Staff



Like the wood frog, our team can be recognized by their distinct facial masks. What does your mask say about your personality? 

The Fourth R



Reduce, reuse and recycle, we all know the three Rs of recycling. With heightened awareness over the years has come a broader list. The expanded five also include refuse and repurpose. The Crayolas® at home are probably seeing more action than ever! Instead of throwing away the broken or worn-down crayons, make new ones! Gather up all of the broken crayons. While the oven is preheating to 250 F; unwrap the crayons and cut them into small pieces. Fill muffin tins with a 1-inch-thick layer of crayon pieces. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the wax has melted. Be sure to keep an eye out on the baking wax. On a hot summers day, simply place muffin tins in the hot sun!

Upcoming Appreciation Weeks



During these trying times, we have undoubtedly developed a deeper appreciation for nurses and teachers. Teacher Appreciation week will be observed Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8 and National Nurses Weeks begins on Wednesday, May 6 and runs through Tuesday, May 12. Tell us about an amazing teacher or nurse in your life by emailing socialmedia@mysticaquarium.org. We will randomly select individuals to receive Shout Outs from the team at Mystic Aquarium.

Don't Forget to Check Out all our Online Resources



Join Us for Facebook LiveStop by Mystic Aquarium's Facebook page everyday at 11:00 am to see what we are up to, learn about our animal ambassadors and engage in an informal Q&A. 

Sign Up for Fun and Learning:Sign up to receive our weekly email with webpage for games, videos, virtual field trips, e-books, podcasts, and more. Click here for this week's edition. 

When you shop Smile.Amazon and select Mystic Aquarium as your chosen non-profit, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Mystic Aquarium. So save Smile.Amazon to your favorites and shop, shop, shop - the Aquarium will thank you!
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Mystic Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research.

MYSTIC AQUARIUM
55 Coogan Boulevard | Mystic, CT 06355 | MysticAquarium.org | 860.572.5955