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. — The Florida Museum of Natural History is giving away 400 native trees from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28 in honor of Arbor Day.

During the museum’s first Arbor Day tree giveaway, visitors may select from one of eight tree species: 100 dogwoods, 100 redbuds, 50 mayhaws, 50 pawpaws, 25 Walter’s viburnums, 25 tulip Poplars, 25 sugarberries and 25 sparkleberries.

Trees are limited to one per person and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

“It is part of the mission of the museum’s plant sale to promote the use of Florida native plants,” said Jaret Daniels, Florida Museum assistant director of exhibits and public programs. “These plants will thrive in our area and all have great wildlife value.”

Arbor Day, dedicated to the planting of trees and the appreciation of nature, was first observed in 1872 and typically is celebrated on the last Friday in April. It was the idea of journalist and nature lover J. Sterling Morton.

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

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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The film examines the importance of honeybees in pollinating fruit and vegetable crops and the impact of colony collapse disorder on the future of agriculture and America’s food production.

“We thought this was a great opportunity to partner with the Office of Sustainability and be a part of the Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival,” said Florida Museum education assistant Amanda Erickson Harvey. “The film has a great message and it should be a lot of fun for everyone who attends.”

The documentary is narrated by Ellen Page, star of the 2007 movie “Juno,” and co-directed by George Langworthy and Maryam Henein. Doors open at 7 p.m. and Henein will answer questions from the audience following the 90-minute film.

Trish Riley, director and co-founder of the film festival, said she is pleased to have a film showing at the museum and reach people in Gainesville who might not otherwise get to see these types of movies.

“With these major social concerns, I know it’s serious, I know it’s important and I feel I have an obligation to help more people become aware of these issues” Riley said. “The films are powerful but fun. No matter what the content is, people will have a good time watching while learning about some major challenges facing our planet.”

The Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival runs Feb. 24 through March 2 with a goal of bringing science and the arts together to raise awareness of environmental issues and help create sustainable solutions for the future.

The screening is also part of the UF Office of Sustainability’s “Food for Thought” campaign, which seeks to educate students, staff, faculty and the community about sustainable food systems and making more environmentally and socially conscious decisions.

“We’re excited about the many and varied partnerships that have helped make three months of programming possible,” said Anna Prizzia, director of the office. “And we look forward to promoting the opportunities and resources that exist right in our own community.”

For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu or call 352-273-2062.

Visit www.cinemaverde.org for a complete schedule of films during the Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival.

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Source: Amanda Harvey, 352-273-2052, aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu
Trish Riley, 352-327-3560, trish@cinemaverde.org
Anna Prizzia, 352-392-7578, info@sustainability.ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History for its first presentation of the “Ken and Linda McGurn Speaker Series: Public Engagement in Science” at 4 p.m. Feb. 6.

Visitors may enjoy an engaging discussion titled “Youth partnering in paleontology: Museums as centers for citizen science” by Robert Ross, associate director for outreach at the Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, N.Y. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served after the presentation in the museum’s classroom in Powell Hall on the University of Florida campus.

Ross plans to discuss ways to better engage the public in specimen-based science and a project called “Fossil Finders” that used thousands of fifth- to eighth-graders from around the country to assist with paleontological research.

“I’ll talk about it from a researcher’s perspective — the process of figuring out how to involve non-specialists in ways that are genuinely useful for doing science,” said Ross, who has worked at the Paleontological Research Institution for 15 years and was part of the team that opened the Museum of the Earth in 2003.

Made possible through a donation by Ken and Linda McGurn of Gainesville, the speaker series is designed to highlight ways scientists can better engage the public in research.

“It’s very important to bring science to the people, and what better way to accomplish that than involve them in the process,” Ken McGurn said. “This series provides an opportunity for researchers and students from a variety of disciplines as well as the public to explore the idea together.”

The series continues through the spring with presentations scheduled for March 12, April 9 and May 14. It will resume with four presentations in the fall, scheduled for Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and Dec. 10.

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

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History and artisans from the Ye’kwana indigenous culture in Venezuela from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 22 and 25 for traditional basket weaving and carving demonstrations.

During the free events, Ye’kwana Simon Caura will create a stool reminiscent of one used by a shaman, or spiritual ruler, and Aurora Rodriguez Caura, one of the founders of Kanwasumi, a women’s basket weaving cooperative in Venezuela, will demonstrate basket weaving. The two also plan to speak with visitors about Ye’kwana culture and answer questions about their traditions and history.

“Our mission is to educate people about indigenous cultures and the troubling issues they face in a global world,” said Laurie Wilkins, president of Earth Bound, a non-profit organization that works with artisan and craft cooperatives and traditional peoples across the world, including the Ye’kwana, and a cosponsor of the program. “Basketry is an intricate part of daily life and more than 30 different baskets are made and used by both men and women,” she said.

Examples of traditional baskets and photos highlighting Ye’kwana village life in an isolated landscape along rivers and lowland tropical forests also will be displayed.

The Ye’kwana are known as the “People of the River” because of their exceptional ability to build canoes and navigate rivers.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the People of the River and some of their traditions,” said Betty Dunckel, director of the Florida Museum’s Center for Informal Science Education. “The program complements the museum’s desired impact of inspiring people to value the cultural heritage of our diverse world. This event also provides an opportunity to collaborate with campus units and Earth Bound. We have found from previous programs that there is a lot of interest from our community in presentations of this nature.”

Only about 3,000 Ye’kwana remain according to Earth Bound, but the culture has maintained many of its ancient traditions including basket weaving, carving and using dugout canoes.

The artisans visit is co-sponsored by the University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies, UF Tropical Conservation and Development program, Earth Bound and the Florida Museum.

The visit coincides with a reception to view the exhibit “Trading Traditions,” from 7 to 9 pm. Jan. 20 at Grinter Gallery on the UF campus. The exhibit explores the rich basket and fiber art of the Ye’kwana of Venezuela and Ayoreo people of Bolivia.

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

Photos Available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History and area astronomy experts for an evening of celestial exploration and cosmic adventure during the fifth annual Starry Night event, from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 3 at the museum.

Starry Night is produced by the Florida Museum, Alachua Astronomy Club Inc., Santa Fe College natural sciences department astronomy section and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and the University of Florida department of astronomy.

Outside, visitors may gaze at the stars and learn about the night sky through engaging discussion with members of the Alachua Astronomy Club and UF astronomy department employees and students.

“The fall is a really fun time to look at the stars,” said UF associate professor of astronomy Vicki Sarajedini. “Familiar constellations such as Andromeda, Perseus, and Pegasus are visible in the sky along with some viewable planets from our own solar system.”

The evening will also feature a presentation by renowned physicist Michael Mumma, director of the Goddard Center for Astrobiology at NASA, titled “The Search for Life on Mars.”

“He gave a wonderful talk about the transport of water into the inner solar system,” said UF astronomy professor Charles Telesco. “More recently he was part of a team that discovered methane on Mars.”

James Albury, director of the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and co-host of the weekly PBS TV show “Star Gazer,” will show clips from the show and lead discussions about the universe and other topics.

Each visitor will also receive a “Passport to the Universe” to document activity participation. The first 50 visitors to fill their passports will receive free tickets to the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium and everyone who fills their passports will be eligible to receive a prize.

Starry Night is sponsored in part by NASA and the National Science Foundation. For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/starrynight.htm or call 352-273-2062.

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

Starry Night
6-10 p.m. Nov. 3
Activities List

7 p.m. Exploring Other Worlds: The Search for Life on Mars
Join Michael Mumma, director of the NASA Goddard Center for Astrobiology, as he guides you through the search for life on Mars.

The following demonstrations and activities are ongoing from 6-10 p.m.

3-D AstroWall (presentations occur on the hour starting at 6 p.m.)
Experience the universe in 3-D! Glasses are provided.

Ask an Astronomer
Want to know more about stars and the universe? Ask a professional astronomer!

Astro Activities
Learn about space with fun activities and interactive games!

Black Hole Hunters
Discover the mysteries of black holes.

Dawning of an Era of Personalized Spacecraft
Draw or create ideas for new spacecraft material and designs alongside UF engineers, who are designing and building modular and interchangeable miniature technologies for space missions.

Discover the Invisible Universe
Listen to radio waves emitted by the Milky Way using the Radio JOVE low frequency radio telescope. Learn how you can use this equipment to listen to radio waves from Jupiter and the Sun.

Gran Telescopio CANARIAS
Investigate the science and technology used to create the world’s largest telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias.

Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Visit with the staff of the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, and discover how their team is “bringing the universe to our community.”

Pico Satellites
Explore the development of small satellites using K’NEX models, and learn about the activities of UF’s Small Satellite Design Club, such as its atmospheric balloon and microgravity experiments and nanosatellite design.

PBS’s Star Gazer with James Albury (every half hour starting at 6:30 p.m.)
Watch the latest episodes of “Star Gazer” and meet its newest host James Albury!

Portable Planetarium Show (presentations every 30 minutes starting at 6:30 p.m.)
Enjoy the wonders of the constellations and the solar system with this fun and exciting show!

Space Rocks
Meet the Santa Fe College Astronomy Department and see the Campo del Cielo, a 70-pound meteorite, as well as a space shuttle tile. Discover the oddities of rocks from space and find out how they differ from Earth rocks!

Stargazing
View celestial bodies through professional quality telescopes with the help of professional and hobbyist astronomers.

Tim Malles Space Art
See an exhibition of space-inspired art by area artist Tim Malles, who contributed brass plaques to the Gainesville Solar Walk project on Northwest Eighth Avenue.

Tools We Use
Learn about the fascinating and unusual tools astronomers use to study the universe.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host the first program in its free “Science Café” series, “Seafood Choices: Why am I confused?” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 6.

The evening features information and a group discussion about seafood industry changes and the potential effect on consumers, including supply, costs, health, safety and sustainability. Florida Sea Grant seafood specialist Steve Otwell will provide a brief introduction on these topics, including how sustainable selections may encourage consumers to search for new options. An assortment of taste samples and a cash bar also will be available.

Otwell said he expects the available seafood supply to change more in the next five years than it has during past 50.

“We are entering the era of the ‘aquatic chicken,’ ” Otwell said, referring to more affordable farm-raised seafood products. “Consumers can also expect an increase in the number of imported products.”

Florida Museum scientists researching fish species worldwide say the aquaculture industry is already large, and still growing.

“Aquaculture is an $86 billion-a-year business and nearly half of all fish consumed worldwide are farm-raised,” said Florida Museum ichthyology curator Larry Page.

Betty Dunckel, director of the Florida Museum’s Center for Informal Science Education, said “Science Café” programs at other institutions have proven popular.

“The format provides an opportunity for attendees to participate in interesting discussions about the evening’s science topic,” Dunckel said. “We hope public interest in seafood and food safety will promote questions and engaging conversations.”

“Science Café” is co-sponsored by the Florida Museum of Natural History; the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence, Florida; Florida Sea Grant and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Guests planning to attend should RSVP with Treva Damron, damron@ufl.edu or 352-294-0751.

The museum is located on the UF campus near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road, across from the Southwest Recreation Center.

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Source: Betty Dunckel, 352-273-2088, bdunckel@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber
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

The museum created the free apps based on exhibits at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to provide visitors with an interactive, educational experience, but the mobile technology allows users to learn more about the animals from any location, said Dale Johnson, Florida Museum project coordinator.

Both apps, designed for children 6 and older, are available through Apple’s iTunes store for the iPod touch and iPhone, and intended to be used by the entire family while exploring the zoo.

“The apps direct visitor attention to specific animal behaviors using mobile devices as a learning tool,” said Betty Dunckel, director of informal science education at the Florida Museum.

“Call the Wild: Penguins” guides zoo visitors on a mission to find Putty the Magellanic Penguin. The app gives users clues to find Putty and explains why it is important for zookeepers to be able to identify each animal at the zoo. It also illustrates the penguin’s habitat and diet, and describes how to protect and conserve these flightless birds.

“Call the Wild: Alligators” helps visitors discover the characteristics and behaviors of these powerful reptiles.

“The app gets users to observe alligators and think about how their movements within the exhibit help regulate their body temperatures,” Dunckel said.

It also allows users to compare alligators to Komodo Dragons, watch videos and learn about alligator diets, reproduction, adaptations and conservation.

The apps were developed as part of a National Science Foundation project investigating the use of mobile technology to engage zoo visitors in learning about the nature of science. Before developing the apps, project researchers experimented with a variety of techniques to engage visitors using mobile phones.

“Mobile phone technology remains a somewhat untapped educational resource,” said Jaret Daniels, co-principal investigator on the project and head of exhibits and public programs at the Florida Museum. “It offers new opportunities to deliver dynamic content and new ways for zoo visitors to learn and interact.”

The project’s other principal investigators were Paul Boyle of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and Joy Jordan, formerly with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Other partners include the Institute for Learning Innovation and Odysseus Mobile Computing.

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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