Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Fernbank Museum of Natural History

As one of Atlanta’s top resources for environmental programming and education, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is offering a variety of ways to celebrate Earth Day.

Programs will be held over several days to accommodate weekend schedules and include:

* The Joys of Nature Journaling Workshop and Book Signing

Led by Helen Correll, Author, Middlewood Journal: Drawing Inspiration from Nature 

Sunday, April 14, 1pm to 3pm – Advanced reservations required by April 12.

Nature journaling provides an opportunity to slow down and observe the world, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure at the same time. Join Helen Correll as she shows different approaches to this craft through her own journal entries, inspired by her walks in the South Carolina Piedmont landscape. Part lecture and part drawing, this workshop will be held inside Fernbank Forest. Bring a journal and a pen, and allow the springtime vistas of this old-growth forest to inspire your own artistic expressions.

COST: $30 for Fernbank members, $45 for nonmembers (includes admission to Museum and Fernbank Forest).

* Fernbank Forest Explorations

Saturday, April 20 at 10 am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm

Take in the sights, sounds and smells of springtime on a guided walk through Fernbank Forest with Fernbank educators, presented in celebration of Earth Day. Activity stations along the way will help your family explore topics such as water quality, native biodiversity, animals, and more.

Tours begin in the Museum Lobby and last approximately 1.5 hours. Recommended for ages 8 and up. There are no rest rooms or water fountains in the forest, so please plan accordingly. Participants must remain with the group for the duration of the program.

COST: Included with Museum admission. Space is limited to 25 participants. Advance reservations are required at 404.929.6400.

* Forest Restoration Day

Sunday, April 21, 10 am-noon

Get up close and personal with Fernbank Museum’s restoration efforts, as part of our Earth Day celebration. Learn more about Georgia’s Piedmont forests while gaining a hands-on understanding of what it takes to keep a forest healthy. This service opportunity is open to ages 18 and up (students aged 12 and older are welcome if accompanied by an adult).

COST: Free (participation does not include admission to Museum.) Advanced registration required at 404.929.6327.

·        Endangered Reptiles and Amphibians of South Georgia’s Fire Forests
Lecture by Dr. Christopher Jenkins, CEO, The Orianne Society

Sunday, April 28 at 2:30 pm

Three hundred years ago, South Georgia was an endless sea of longleaf pines, restored by frequent fires that passed through like waves. Gopher Tortoises, Eastern Indigo Snakes and Flatwoods Salamanders lived among the grasses beneath the canopy of towering pines. Although this unique ecosystem has been severely fragmented, these key species have managed to survive in remaining patches of this habitat. Join Dr. Christopher Jenkins to learn more about the biology, status and future of these amazing animals that define Georgia’s natural heritage. This lecture is presented in partnership with The Orianne Society, an organization that integrates research, conservation and education. Advance reservations are required at 404.929.6400.

COST: Included with Museum admission.

* Weekend Wonders: Earth Day

Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, 2013

Enjoy family-friendly activities that celebrate Earth Day.

COST: Included with Museum admission

You can also celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with several of Fernbank’s ongoing programs:

·        Witness the annual migration of monarch butterflies as they journey between Canada and Mexico in the IMAX® film Flight of the Butterflies.

·        Explore the natural beauty of Georgia in Fernbank’s permanent exhibition A Walk Through Time in Georgia, where you’ll encounter the diversity of our state, including mountains, forest, caves, islands, swamp, plateau and the variety of animals that inhabit each environment.

·        Let children explore the award-winning children’s exhibition, Fernbank NatureQuest, as they investigate the natural habitats of the Earth, including several live animal environments, an interactive river, an activity-filled clubhouse, a climbable tree and more.

·        Join Fernbank’s e-newsletter mailing list to learn about events offered at Fernbank that celebrate Earth Day all year long.

·        Join as a member and support Fernbank’s dedication to offering unique environmental experiences while enjoying an entire year of free museum admission and discounts on purchases, films and programs.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. 

Museum admission is $17.50 for adults, $16.50 for students/seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3-12. Value Pass tickets, which include Museum and IMAX® admission, are $23 for adults, $21 for students/seniors and $19 for children. To reserve by phone, call 404.929.6400.

More information is available at www.fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6300.