A unique and interactive education experience was unveiled in Abbotsford Thursday with the official opening of Bakerview EcoDairy in partnership with Science World.
Redesigned by Science World's team of curators, the new-look EcoDairy showcases milk production while inspiring young minds to develop an active interest in farming, innovation in food and agriculture and other facets of science and technology.
EcoDairy president Bill Vanderkooi said Science World has brought "magic" to the facility.
“When the EcoDairy was founded four years ago, we wanted it to be a place where people could come and learn about farming and experience farming in the 21st century,” he said. “We knew what we wanted to accomplish but we lacked some resources and magic.
“Science World has added their magic to the EcoDairy and now it’s going to be a whole lot more fun and engaging.”
Since opening in 2010, EcoDairy has already reached thousands of families, school students and community groups with its unique guided learning centre and dairy barn tours. Last year, the Abbotsford business, located on Sumas Way just north of Highway 1, launched its partnership with Science World to develop a more interactive, self-guided experience with a focus on hands-on exhibits tailored to suit school-aged children.
Guests will now be able to test their skills at milking a cow, try lifting a day’s worth of cow manure and experience first-hand resting on a cow bed. They can also meet the Vitala Cows face-to-face in the dairy barn and watch Robbie the Robot in action in the Robotic Milker Observation Room.
EcoDairy in partnership with Science World aims to promote agriculture science and technology education in British Columbia to inspire future innovation in the agricultural sector.