Press Room --
Springfield, IL—Biodiversity will come alive at the Illinois State Museum on Saturday, November 16, with three live-animal programs at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Visitors will encounter a Flying Squirrel, Striped Skunk, Barred Owl, Bearded Dragon, and a Two-toed Sloth (specific animals presented subject to change). This program will be presented by Rob Mies, TV personality, conservation biologist, bat expert, author, and Executive Director of the Organization for Bat Conservation. Mies will share his stories about traveling the world to discover the truly unique and sometimes strange life forms that inhabit our planet. During this fun and engaging program, recommended for elementary school aged children and their families, visitors will learn about ecosystems, how animals are connected, the risks to biodiversity from human activities, conservation success stories, and things everyone can do to protect wildlife from extinction.
In addition to the live-animal programs, the Museum will be full of family-friendly activities from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Children will receive a “passport” to travel through ecosystems including a river, swamp, forest, prairie, and their own back yard. Along the way, they will help create a biodiversity mural, make a fall leaf painting, and learn about the diversity of animals and plants in Illinois. Children will also have the chance to see and touch the Museum’s giant mussel “Millie” and talk to ISM scientist Dr. Robert Warren about freshwater mussels.
This Educational Series event is sponsored by Bank of Springfield.
###
The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, learning, and an appreciation of Illinois’ natural, cultural, and artistic heritage. The Museum’s extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S. Spring St. (on the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets) in Springfield and is open from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and from 12:00 - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is free. Parking is available nearby and the building is ADA accessible.
|
