Nature Classes for Kids & Adults (Padilla Bay)

I received an email notice just now about an edible plants class being taught at Padilla Bay (at the mouth of the Skagit River up near Mount Vernon). When I got to their website, I discovered all sorts of interesting classes and events.

They even have a class on drawing in a Nature Journal … and any of you who read my various e-newsletters probably already know I really love the idea of keeping a nature journal.

Padilla Bay Information

Last Polar Bear Exhibit – The Burke Museum (Seattle)

Sorry I’ve been out of touch with blog for so long.  I started a new job at my church and haven’t had much time for anything else for a number of months. I’m hoping to get back into the swing of “regular life” activities (including this blog and its related ezine) once again.

Anyway, here’s the text from an announcement I received from The Burke Museum today:

The Last Polar Bear Exhibit Opening Day
Saturday, June 28, 2008
10:00am to 5:00pm

The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
University of Washington
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum

“The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming World” features stunning photography by wildlife photographer Steven Kazlowski, who has dedicated over eight years of work to bring to life the immediate reality of this most pressing environmental crisis — the devastation of the Arctic ecosystem through global warming.

The Burke offers a full day of talks and activities with something for the whole family. Join us for displays of arctic research and arctic mammals, as well as talks by leading experts on polar bears and the fight to save them.

WALKS AND TALKS

10:30 am ~ Gallery Tour
The Last Polar Bear author and photographer Steven Kazlowski leads a 30-minute tour of the exhibit.

11:30 am ~ Burke Room Lecture
Polar Bears: How Their Lifestyles Make Them Vulnerable to Climate Change
Dr. Steven Amstrup, Research Wildlife Biologist for United States Geological Survey’s Alaska Science Center, will talk about polar bear population dynamics, social structure, foraging practices, habitat preferences, and how reduced sea ice is likely to affect them.

12:30 pm ~ Gallery Tour
The Last Polar Bear author and photographer Steven Kazlowski leads a 30-minute tour of the exhibit.

1:30 pm ~ Burke Room Lecture
The whole Polar Bear truth … and nothing but the truth Executive Director of the Alaska Wilderness League, Cindy Shogan, will discuss her vehement opposition to oil drilling on the North Slope of Alaska. Learn the latest polar bear politics from a self described D.C. political addict, and hear what you can do to help protect this critical species.

My kids and I will definitely try to make it at some point while this exhibit’s still on display at The Burke Museum, but I seriously doubt we’ll be able to make it to the opening day festivities — although they sure sound great!

~Debi