Marion Natural History Museum present Secret World of Fireflies with Entomologist Blake Dinius, Wednesday July 15 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Fireflies evoke a feeling of magic and wonder; Elegant blobs of light dancing and blinking in the summer night. Everything about fireflies hearkens back to a time long past. Imagine living on Earth 75-130 million years ago. Dinosaurs tromping and roaming. The air is hot and humid. There are no cars, no city lights, no porch lights, no stadium lights. Nothing. But, it isn’t pitch black, because the stars fill the sky. It will still be millions of years before humans create the first artificial light sources to change all of this. But, their elaborate light displays are not intended for our eyes. Instead, they depict a daring dance between species. Each firefly species possesses its own distinct type of “language” used to communicate with members of its own species. If you can decode these patterns, you can figure out which species you’re looking at. There are an estimated 170 species in North America. But, fewer people report seeing fireflies today. Why is that? Are fireflies really disappearing? What challenges are they facing today? Join us as we try to decipher the ancient world of fireflies. Please register at the Marion Natural History Museum website: www.marionmuseum.org.
On August 3, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, the Marion Natural History Museum welcomes Amazing Animals Adventurers presenting Birds of the World live animal program. Come join Bethany Boucher of Amazing Animal Ambassadors to learn about a wide range of birds from parrots, birds of prey and more. Birds you might see include a macaw, cockatoo, kookaburra, green aracari, great horned owl, red tailed hawk and raven. Funding provided in part thanks to the Marion Cultural Council. This program has limited space so please register soon at www.marionmuseum.org.
Coastal Explorations with the Marion Natural History Museum, August 3 to 7, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Marion Natural History Museum will be offering an opportunity to explore some of Marion’s unique natural areas. We will be exploring our rocky inter-tidal shorelines, salt marshes, estuaries as well as freshwater riverbanks, forest, swamps, ponds and bogs. Daily we will take trips to look for the birds, amphibians, fish and invertebrates that make these areas so special.
Each morning will involve hands-on exploration, experiments, crafts and journaling while being outdoors. Your child will enjoy being a Coastal Explorer with the Marion Natural History Museum. Space is limited to 15 per session so make sure to register early for this summer program. Perfect for children entering grades 2-6. This year we will also be offering a full-day option in partnership with the Marion Recreation Department. Please register at www.marionmuseum.org.