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Earth Day 2026 at the Eastern Ecological Science Center

By Upper Midwest Water Science Center April 29, 2026

Earth Day 2026 at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) was a celebration of science, discovery and community connection.

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Two USGS employees smile while sitting behind a USGS tablecloth covered table under a pop up tent
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USGS scientists Shonte Jenkins (left) and Julien Martin (right) greet Earth Day 2026 event attendees at the USGS booth at EESC.

The Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) hosted a free, family‑friendly Earth Day open house at their Kearneysville, West Virginia campus on Saturday, April 26.

More than 345 attendees explored 23 research-driven exhibits and connected through two welcome tables, supported by 70 dedicated USGS volunteers who helped translate ecological science into hands‑on discovery.

Families learned about bugs, birds, and fish, saw live animals, participated in crafts, and engaged directly with scientists studying the ecosystems of the eastern United States.

USGS also hosted three external exhibitors at the event, each contributing specialized scientific expertise:

  • US Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center
  • US Department of Agriculture
  • West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Mobile Aquarium
 
Together, these partners helped visitors explore the science behind species conservation, watershed health, and ecosystem resilience.

Lauren Privette, an Upper Midwest Water Science Center Geographer from the Web Informatics and Mapping (WIM) team, volunteered at the event.

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USGS employee smiles while interacting with students sitting at an L-shaped table
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Upper Midwest Water Science Center Geographer Lauren Privette from the Web Informatics and Mapping (WIM) team runs the Bird Bingo activity.
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Three USGS scientists run a craft session on making recycled art
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USGS scientists (left to right) Blake Miller, Tammy Miller and Julie Murray, run a craft session on making recycled art.
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USDA employee stands at table with animal pelts on display for education
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Morgan Clay from the US Department of Agriculture helps attendees explore various animal pelts.
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Earth day attendee leans over glass topped box with bee specimens, looking through a magnifying glass
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An Earth Day attendee looks through a magnifying glass to get an up-close look at bee specimens from the USGS Bee Lab.
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An adult and child hands hold aquatic insects above a plastic tub with additional insects
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Earth Day attendees explore Bug Bonanza: The World of Stream Invertebrates exhibit.
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Child in yellow rain jacket watches a Lesser Scaup duck diving in a mobile tank
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A young Earth Day attendee watches a Lesser Scaup duck diving in a mobile tank. EESC uses Lesser Scaup and other diving ducks to conduct hearing studies.
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