The walkway is modeled after those built for scientific research in tropical and temperate forests around the world. EcoTarium will be among the first to bring this little-known research tool for getting into remote, high places to the public in a way that they can experience it for themselves. Only in the last 20 years have scientists begun to systematically document the tremendous diversity of life high in the tree canopy. Other walkways in the United States are reserved for student and researcher use. This permanent structure, built in a grove of oak and hickory trees, consists of five platforms with connecting boardwalks and bridges, each spanning 20 to 35 feet from tree to tree.
Visitors are free to venture out on handicap-accessible boardwalks to the first tree.
The more adventurous may harness up and join EcoTarium staff members for a guided program on the outer reaches of the walkway. Reservations and prepayment are necessary for most programs. Seasonal programming on the Tree Canopy Walkway offers visitors the thrill of crossing a cable skyway and also lends them a new perspective on this habitat high above their heads. From EcoTarium's walkway, visitors will be able to observe behaviors of birds, squirrels, insects and other tree-dwelling creatures. They may make comparisons between life in the canopy and life on the forest floor.