December 2009–February 2010
106 Birds of Winter
Lake Mattamuskeet and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges and Pettigrew State Park, NC
Friday, December 11 (depart Raleigh at 3:45 pm)–Sunday, December 13, 2009
Cost: $145 (includes lodging, two breakfasts, one lunch and transportation from Raleigh)
Spend two days in the wilds of eastern North Carolina observing one of the largest concentrations of winter birds along the East Coast. Learn how to identify waterfowl, raptors and other species. Short hikes and easy viewing from the Museum van make this an ideal trip for both novice and seasoned birders. *Offered as an outing for educators and their friends or families. (Minimum age of 14 must accompanied by an adult.)
107 Where Swans Fly and Bears Walk
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, near Plymouth, NC
Friday, January 8 (depart from Raleigh at 3:45 pm)–Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cost: $80 (includes lodging, breakfast, lunch and transportation to and from Raleigh)
Join Museum staff and refuge biologists as we experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North Carolina — thousands of tundra swans, snow geese and other waterfowl over-wintering in an area rich in wildlife such as black bears, bobcats and red wolves. Learn to identify waterfowl and other winter birds. Pick up practical tips on observing and preserving wildlife tracks and signs. Gain insights into incorporating lessons on wild creatures into your curriculum.
Yellowstone in Winter
Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Wyoming
Thursday, January 14–Tuesday, January 19, 2010
(With an orientation at the Museum in Raleigh on Saturday, December 5, 2009)
Cost: $1500 (includes airfare from Raleigh to Bozeman, Montana; ground transportation in Yellowstone; five nights lodging in the Park; a snowcoach excursion; and snowshoe rental)
Glimpse the spectacular natural wonders of America’s first National Park and discover its charismatic inhabitants — elk, wolves, bison and more. Explore the connections between Yellowstone and North Carolina and discuss how to link your experiences to the classroom. Via the Museum’s Web site, your students will be able follow our adventures in this winter paradise by reading daily journals, submitting questions and viewing pictures of the incredible beauty and wildness that we experience. Due to the popularity, expense and extreme conditions of this trek, we have instituted an application process. For an application, contact Mike Dunn at 919.733.7450 x620. No deposit is necessary until selections have been made. Applications are due at the Museum by Friday, October 23, 2009.
Our Warming Waters: An oceans and climate change workshop
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC
Saturday, February 20, 2010
9 am–4 pm
Cost: $15 (includes materials and lunch and snacks provided by Acro Café)
Join our exploration of the world’s oceans and how they are being impacted by climate change. View demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities and labs that can be used in the classroom, collaborate with an oceanographer and receive numerous educational materials, posters and other resources. For more information or to register, contact M.T. Fore at 919.733.7450 x621. Funding for this workshop is provided by the SouthEast Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence and Sea Grant.
