GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Lubee Bat Conservancy for a free “Year of the Bat Celebration” from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.

The event begins at the Florida Museum at 3215 Hull Road with displays, live bats and activities on bat biology and conservation. Around 7:15 p.m., visitors will be directed to the University of Florida Bat House on Museum Road, where Lubee Bat Conservancy Director Brian Pope will speak to visitors while waiting for the bats to emerge at dusk.

“Participants will learn more about why bats are important, some of the issues they face and what we can do to help them,” said Florida Museum education assistant Amanda Harvey.

The celebration is a joint program between the museum and the Lubee Bat Conservancy, a 110-acre ranch about 10 miles north of Gainesville.

The most common bat species living on the UF campus is the Brazilian free-tailed bat. The southeastern myotis bat and evening bat also live in the structures. The bats normally emerge during a 15- to 20-minute period after sunset, before total darkness.

Pope said he would like visitors to have fun while gaining an appreciation for the benefits bats provide to healthy ecosystems and human economies.

“In the U.S., 40 percent of bat species are threatened with extinction,” Pope said. “Events such as these allow the Gainesville community to have an exciting and educational night out while learning the benefits of nature’s mysterious flying superheroes.”

The Year of the Bat is a two-year-long global species awareness initiative by The United Nations Environment Program Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and The Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats. The initiative aims to raise awareness of these often misunderstood animals and their diverse biodiversity benefits.

For more information on Friday’s event, call 352-273-2064.

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Media contact: Paul Ramey, APR, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Kate Schofield

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Get ready to explore the natural world with your favorite “Peanuts” characters in the Florida Museum of Natural History’s newest temporary exhibit, “Peanuts…Naturally: Charlie Brown and Friends Explore Nature,” opening Sept. 29.

The exhibit takes a light-hearted look at Charles Schulz’s exploration of the natural world through “Peanuts” comic strips, videos, objects and interactive stations.

Charlie Brown is in trouble with the Environmental Protection Agency, Lucy knows the Earth has 48 suns, and Snoopy and Linus are planting french fries in the garden. These are just a few of the misadventures and explanations gone wrong as the comic strip characters investigate the natural world.

“The ‘Peanuts’ comic strip characters have some really funny ideas about how nature works,” said Florida Museum assistant exhibit developer Tina Choe. “We are excited to bring visitors back to nature and to connect the exhibit to some of the fascinating and timely research being done at the museum.”

The exhibit is organized into seven main themes: the universe, web of nature, trees, birds, the elements, gardening and the EPA and contains 22 text panels and 25 framed, high-resolution digital reproductions of original “Peanuts” comic strips. Each is augmented by a diversity of specimens from the museum’s collections, including migrating birds, endangered freshwater clams, a Mayan hieroglyphic statue from Honduras and a black bear, on loan from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Florida has so many wonderful opportunities to get outside and see amazing natural environments,” Choe said. “Right here at our museum, we have the wildflower butterfly garden and the UF Natural Area Teaching Laboratory as well as many off-site opportunities to get out and get involved in all kinds of cool science. In today’s world, with a focus on computers, video games and technology, this exhibit underscores the need to bring people back to nature.”

Schulz, who wrote the “Peanuts” comic strip for nearly 50 years, was immensely curious, an avid reader and interested in the latest research findings in a variety of fields. Many of these findings and facts found their way into Schulz’s comic strip, carefully interpreted through his characters’ unique, and sometimes wacky, understanding of their world.

Admission to “Peanuts…Naturally” is $4 for adults; $3.50 for Florida residents, seniors and college students; and $3 for ages 3-17. Value admission tickets to the exhibit and Butterfly Rainforest are also available: $12 for adults; $11 for Florida residents, seniors and college students; and $8.50 for ages 3-17.

“Peanuts…Naturally” is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, Calif.

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Media contact: Paul Ramey, APR, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Dig into geology and discover the ground beneath your feet at the sixth annual “Can You Dig It?” at the Florida Museum of Natural History from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17.

This free, family-friendly event is sponsored by the University of Florida department of geological sciences and features hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations from the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society, Jackson Stoneworks and Santa Fe College.

“We’ve added some new displays and tables this year,” said Matt Smith, lecturer for the UF department of geological sciences. “We really want to get the people and kids out to see what geology is all about. Lots of kids don’t know what geologists actually do, so every year we try to mix it up and make the event better.”

Some of the new activities this year include demonstrations of making sharp tools from stone, known as knapping, as well as information about the ways minerals are used in our homes and daily lives, how granite countertops are created and what mud and lake sediment can reveal about ancient climate change.

Visitors may also see demonstrations of volcanic eruptions, dig in a “gem mine” to find fossils, gems, rocks and other treasures or watch gem cutting and jewelry making to see how rough stones become finished jewels.

Smith explained the event also seeks to educate students about careers in geological sciences.

“Right now it’s one of the top rated careers by the Department of Labor,” he said. “It’s a career path that has a bright future.”

Visitors may also win prizes by collecting stamps from each activity table during the event.

Food from High Springs Orchard and Bakery and The Pearl Country Store and Barbecue will be available for purchase.

Last year more than 1,500 people attended the event.

For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/canyoudigit.htm or call 352-273-2062.

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Source: Matt Smith, 352-392-2231, mcsmith@ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Can You Dig It? Activities List
10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 17

Volcanic Eruptions (on the hour and half hour starting at 10:30 a.m.)
Learn why some volcanoes erupt explosively while others simply steam. Watch out – ours is ready to blow!

Gem and Fossil Mine
Pretend to be a scientist and sift for gems, minerals and other treasures.

UF Department of Geological Sciences
Learn about the UF geology department, how to become a geologist and why geoscience is an excellent career choice.

Passport Prizes
Grab a passport and collect stamps as you explore geology! Present your completed passport and receive a prize.

Make Your Own Earthquake!
Learn about the Richter scale by creating your own earthquake.

Deep Ocean Drilling
Discover how scientists study the ocean floor through this hands-on activity.

Oreo Plate Tectonics
Discover how mountains are made using Oreo cookies. Learn more about the process behind mountain formation and how the world changes over time.

Work of Water
Learn how water has shaped the Earth’s surface. Then explore what you can do to protect our drinking water supply.

Minerals, Minerals Everywhere
Discover the many uses for minerals in your homes and everyday lives.

From the Ground to Your Home, the Story of “Granite” Countertops
Let the experts from Jackson Stoneworks show you how stone is turned into beautiful countertops.

Tools of a Geologist
Discover the many tools geologists use to study the Earth.

The Rock Cycle and the Santa Fe College Rock Cycle Garden
Learn how rocks are continuously recycled on Earth into new and different forms.

Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society
Meet Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society members and get information about the club, events and ways to join!

Gem Cutting & Jewelry Making
Watch rough and jagged stone transformed into beautiful jewelry by members of the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society.

Secrets of Sand
Examine sand under a microscope and discover what the tiny grains look like.

Meteorites
Check out these space rocks and see how they differ from those found on Earth.

Knapping: the Craft of Fashioning Tools from Stone
Watch skilled knapper Tom Nutter demonstrate how ancient people fashioned razor-sharp tools from stone.

Geologic Time Tunnel
Explore the “Tunnel of Time” and take a journey back through geologic history.

Exploring the Deep Ocean
Examine deep-ocean volcanoes and see incredible life forms from the deep.

Paleomagnetism
Explore rocks from the past and learn how the North Pole has shifted over millions of years.

Fossils
See fossils of amazing prehistoric life forms and explore Florida’s fossil history.

Paleolimnology: Learning History from Lake Sediment
What can mud tell us about climate and environmental changes? You’ll be surprised to find out.

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Elementary, middle and high school students in Florida who receive an ‘A’ or ‘S’ grade in science can present their latest report card for free admission to the Butterfly Rainforest with a paid regular price adult admission. Alachua County students receive their next report cards Nov. 8.

The offer is valid until the next report cards are issued. A student receiving another ‘A’ or ‘S’ grade on their next report card would again qualify for the offer through the end of the following grading period.

” ‘A for Science’ is such a popular program that we decided it should not be limited to just a few counties,” said Jaret Daniels, Florida Museum assistant director of exhibits and public programs. “We want to showcase the importance of science statewide, encourage students to do well in school and reward them for receiving outstanding grades.”

The program was available to students in Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Putnam and Union counties in 2010.

The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot, lush, tropical garden with hundreds of living butterflies from around the world, including 60 to 80 different species at any given time.

Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This offer has no cash value and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $10.50 for adults ($9 Fla. residents) and $6 for ages 3-17.

For more information about this promotion or other museum events, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu or call 352-846-2000.

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Source: Jaret Daniels, 352-273-2022, jdaniels@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The “Discovery Room,” a family-friendly activity area at the Florida Museum of Natural History, will remain open through Jan. 1, 2012, due to popular demand.

The museum also is considering converting the Discovery Room into a permanent exhibit open year-round.

“We hope to keep the Discovery Room open because of its popularity with our family visitors and to allow us to examine the effectiveness of different components for the larger, permanent exhibit we are in the initial stages of planning,” said Betty Dunckel, director of informal science education at the Florida Museum.

Admission is free and the room is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

The family-friendly room allows visitors to discover natural history through hands-on activities that foster critical thinking.

“Our visitors enjoy spending time in the Discovery Room,” said Florida Museum education assistant Amanda Erickson. “It offers a great opportunity for families to learn about Florida’s diverse ecosystems, environments and wildlife together.”

For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/discovery.htm or call 352-846-2000.

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Source: Betty Dunckel, 352-273-2088, bdunckel@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact:  Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

The free event offers visitors a glimpse of how Native Americans incorporate sound into storytelling and features performances by Fear Buile, a local traditional Irish band, and Deezy Pete, a jazz trio.

“This is a celebration of the museum and the rich cultural history and heritage of the University of Florida,” said Tiffany Ireland, Florida Museum education assistant.

The musical-themed event complements the museum’s highly interactive temporary exhibit “Wild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life,” which explores the biological origins of music and how sounds from the animal kingdom have inspired human compositions.

All museum exhibits will remain open during the event, and visitors purchasing tickets to “Wild Music” will also receive free Butterfly Rainforest exhibit admission. General museum admission is free.

“Celebration of Sound” is a part of the University of Florida’s “Weeks of Welcome,” a campuswide series of events designed to welcome first-year, transfer and graduate students, as well as returning students.

Visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/celebration_of_sound.htm or call 352-273-2062 for more information.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Experience the symphony of the animal kingdom at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s newest temporary exhibit, “Wild Music: Sounds and Songs of Life” opening May 28.

The exhibit, presented in English, Spanish and Braille, allows visitors to hear, feel and see the power of sound.

“‘Wild Music’ explores the biological roots of music,” said Darcie MacMahon, Florida Museum of Natural History assistant director for exhibits. “The exhibit is highly interactive and hands-on, allowing visitors to explore the science of sound and music in an engaging and entertaining way.”

The exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the forest, city and sea to experience the melodies found in each environment.

The city setting radiates the sounds of markets, street cars and outdoor cafes as well as groups at work hauling nets, moving logs and pounding grain. Visitors may also compose masterpieces using their own voices with pre-recorded sounds, animal voices and percussion instruments in a sound proof “Jamming Room” and record themselves describing the memories evoked by different types of music for an ongoing project at the University of North Carolina Music Research Institute.

In the forest, listen to the songs of a variety of bird species and discover how they have influenced human composers like Mozart. Visitors may also use a parabolic microphone to find a variety of sounds hidden throughout this area of the exhibit.

In the sea, observe a trolling motor and ratchet underwater using a hydrophone; see, touch and hear shell trumpets; and listen to whale songs as well as human compositions inspired by their aquatic harmonies.

The exhibit also features a seven-minute video, describing how animals use sound to advertise their presence, communicate with one another and form and nurture social groups. Guests may also examine a collection of unusual instruments like a didgeridoo, an Australian instrument made from a hollow log, African talking drums and a 53,000-year-old cave bear bone flute. “The exhibit allows visitors to experience sound in a unique way,” MacMahon said. “We all enjoy music, but don’t usually think of it as rooted in both culture and nature – the exhibit gives us new perspectives on music in a really fun way.”

Admission to “Wild Music” is $8 for adults, $7 for Florida residents, $6.50 for seniors and college students and $5.50 for ages 3-17.

“Wild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life” is a production of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Major funding comes from the National Science Foundation, with additional support from Harman International Industries Inc. and NEC Foundation of America.

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Source: Darcie MacMahon, 352-273-2053, dmacmahon@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will open its “Discovery Room,” a favorite area for visitors of all ages, at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28.

Admission is free, and the room is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The activity area will remain open through Aug. 14.

Through hands-on, self-guided activities and scheduled programs, visitors will learn about Florida’s diverse ecosystems, environments and wildlife. Scheduled activities include crafts, story time, puppet presentations, museum exploration with Dr. Discovery and more.

“The “Discovery Room” provides visitors with a place for children to interact and explore natural history while having fun,” said Florida Museum education coordinator Kendra Lanza-Kaduce.

For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/discovery.htm or call 352-273-2061.

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Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Florida Museum Discovery Room Summer 2011 Activity Schedule

EcoArt: Natural history-related crafts
10 a.m.-noon Monday and Wednesday
1-2:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday

Talking Tales: Story time with a staff member
11 a.m. Tuesday

Three Musketeers Puppet Show: Discover nature with forest friends
3 p.m. Saturday

Dr. Discovery: Child-friendly presentations and activities
3-4 p.m. Wednesday

Museum Choice: Museum staff select the activity
10 a.m.-noon Thursday and Saturday

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Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Discover geology and explore the ground beneath your feet during “Can You Dig It?” at the Florida Museum of Natural History from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16.

The free family-friendly event, sponsored by the University of Florida department of geological sciences, Water and Air Research Inc. and Creative Environmental Solutions Inc., includes hands-on activities and live demonstrations from UF professors and students as well as the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society.

“We all love things pertaining to geology, so it’s really exciting to put on this event every year,” said Matt Smith, lecturer for the UF department of geology.

The Gainesville Chamber Orchestra will also perform during the event.

” ‘Can You Dig It?’ will rock your world,” said Kendra Lanza-Kaduce, Florida Museum of Natural History public programs coordinator. “There are tons of interactive presentations and demonstrations that children and adults of all ages will enjoy. Nearly 2,000 people attended last year’s event.”

This year, visitors may discover the science of earthquakes using seismic equipment, win prizes, witness volcanic eruptions and dig in a “gem mine.”

“This is our fifth year hosting the event and it serves as our main outreach program,” Smith said. “The event is set up to expose people to all things pertaining to geology, and we want it to be fun for everyone. The Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society bring additional expertise.”

For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/canyoudigit.htm or call 352-273-2064.

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Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Can You Dig It?
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 16
Activities List

Volcanic Eruptions
Learn why some volcanoes erupt violently while others simply steam. Eruptions occur every 20 minutes and 50 minutes past the hour.

Gem Mine
Pretend to be a scientist and sift for gems, minerals and other treasures.

Make Your Own Earthquake
Learn about the Richter scale by creating your own earthquake.

Oreo Plate Tectonics
Discover how mountains are made using Oreo cookies.

Deep Ocean Drilling
Learn how scientists study the layers of the ocean floor through this hands-on activity.

Mike’s Magical Mineral show, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
Discover the connection between minerals and light through this exciting presentation.

Work of Water
Learn how water has shaped the earth’s surface.

Ground Water and Water resources
Learn how water flows through wetlands and into sinks.

Gem Cutting and Jewelry Making
Watch rough and jagged stone transformed into beautiful jewelry.

Caves
Learn how geologists discover information about the past by studying caves.

Tools of Geologists
Discover the many tools geologists use to study the earth.

Fossils
Explore Florida’s fossil history.

Paleomagnetism
Explore rocks from the past and learn how the North Pole has shifted over millions of years.

Geological Time
Learn how geologists use rocks to tell time.

Meteorites
Compare space rocks to Earth rocks and see how they differ.

The Secrets of Sand
Examine sand under a microscope and discover what the tiny grains look like.

Mysteries of the Deep Ocean
Discover the magnificent species that live under the sea and explore deep-ocean volcanoes.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Discover what happens after dark at the Florida Museum of Natural History, during “Overnight at the Museum” from 7 p.m. March 12 through 9 a.m. March 13.

“Overnight at the Museum” is $50 for a member parent and child and $65 for a non-member parent and child. Additional guests are $20 each for members and $25 for non-members. A maximum of three children per adult may register.

Registration is available online, or by phone, 352-273-2061. Space is limited and participants are encouraged to register early. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 8.

During this fun-filled sleepover, discover what hides in the cave, curl up next to the mammoth or mastodon and get ready for a night of activities, crafts, games, movies and snacks.

“Visitors will be able to see the whole museum at night and have a lot of fun with arts and crafts,” said Tiffany Ireland, Florida Museum education assistant. “Last year we had about 60 participants. The kids really enjoy exploring the exhibits during the evening, and it’s fun for the parents too.”

The program is designed for children ages 6-12. Participants should bring comfortable clothes, a sweater or jacket, sleeping bag or inflatable mattress and a pillow. A light breakfast will be provided in the morning.

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Source: Tiffany Ireland, 352-273-2061, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu