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X-WR-CALNAME:Programs and Events Calendar
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Programs and Events Calendar
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TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
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DTSTART:20261101T060000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T120000
DTSTAMP:20260411T185656
CREATED:20251210T140155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260328T172344Z
UID:117575-1774087200-1774094400@naturalsciences.org
SUMMARY:Nature Play Day
DESCRIPTION:Come out and play! The Nature PlaySpace will be stocked with extra special materials and supplies to encourage play and a Museum play facilitator will be present to help you play your way. Supplies may vary from week to week\, but may include fun things like fort-building equipment\, puppets and costumes\, bubbles\, paint\, giant blocks\, and more. \nThis is a free\, drop-in event. Staff and supplies will be available from 10:00am -12:00pm. Come dressed for the weather and ready to get messy! Everyone is welcome at the Nature PlaySpace\, but it has been designed especially for kids 7 and younger. \nFor more information\, contact prairieridge@naturalsciences.org
URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/nature-play-day-8/2026-03-21/
LOCATION:Prairie Ridge\, 1671 Gold Star Drive\, Raleigh\, NC\, 27607\, United States
CATEGORIES:Children,Outdoor Experiences,Walk-up Programs
ORGANIZER;CN="Kiersten%20Bowser":MAILTO:kiersten.bowser@naturalsciences.org
GEO:35.812182885871;-78.713963528554
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Prairie Ridge 1671 Gold Star Drive Raleigh NC 27607 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1671 Gold Star Drive:geo:-78.713963528554,35.812182885871
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T120000
DTSTAMP:20260411T185656
CREATED:20260108T165721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T151920Z
UID:117945-1774087200-1774094400@naturalsciences.org
SUMMARY:Family Painting Class: Poison Dart Frogs
DESCRIPTION:Learn about poison dart frogs while painting an up-close portrait of one of these amazing amphibians.  This class is perfect for all skill levels ages 5 & up. Your instructor will guide you through the process step-by-step while giving you the freedom to make it your own! \nEach painter will create and take home an 11″x14″ painting.  Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that may get messy. \nTickets are required for this event. \nBuy Tickets \n\nTicket Information:\n\nPrice: $40; $35 Members \nRecommended age: 5 & up \nEach ticket includes one canvas. All materials will be provided. \nMinors are required to be accompanied by an adult. Adults who are accompanying a minor and not painting are not required to purchase a ticket. \nRefund Policy: \n\n\nFull refund (minus a processing fee) if cancelled at least 1 week prior to class date.\n\n\n50% refund (plus tax) if cancelled at least 48 hours prior to class date.\n\n\nRefunds will not be issued for cancellations less than 48 hours prior to class date.\n\n\nTickets are not transferable to another class date.
URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/family-painting-class-dart-frogs/
LOCATION:Downtown Raleigh\, 11 West Jones Street\, Raleigh\, NC\, 27601\, United States
CATEGORIES:All Ages,Classes,General Events,Natural World Investigate Lab,Special Events,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Poison-Dart-Frog-Painting.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Alex%20Trifaro":MAILTO:alex.trifaro@naturalsciences.org
GEO:35.7822735;-78.6395502
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Downtown Raleigh 11 West Jones Street Raleigh NC 27601 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=11 West Jones Street:geo:-78.6395502,35.7822735
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T185656
CREATED:20260223T170554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T195122Z
UID:119430-1774087200-1774101600@naturalsciences.org
SUMMARY:Ornithology Research Day
DESCRIPTION:O’Shea holds a large seabird wing. NCMNS has one of the largest seabirds specimen collections in the world. \nJoin us for Ornithology Research Day!  This event will highlight active research projects happening across North Carolina and beyond. Ornithologists and other bird enthusiasts from the Museum and beyond are excited to chirp their wisdom about the fascinating world of birds. \n\nExhibits- 1st Floor\, Nature Research Center\n\n\n\nLife on the Wing: Exploring the World of Purple Martins\nNC Purple Martin Society \n\n\nThis exhibit introduces visitors to the fascinating world of purple martins including their life cycle\, behaviors\, and the challenges they face. You’ll also learn how scientists study their seasonal migrations and feeding habits. The table will feature hands-on activities for children and engaging information for adults\, making it an educational stop for all ages. \n\n\n\n\n\nNorth Carolina Mini Breeding Bird Survey & Caterpillars Count!\nHurlbert Lab at UNC Chapel Hill \n\n\nCaterpillars Count! is a citizen science project for measuring the seasonal variation\, also known as phenology\, and abundance of arthropods like caterpillars\, beetles\, and spiders found on the foliage of trees and shrubs. \n\n\n\n\n\nBird Conservation at the North Carolina Zoo\nNorth Carolina Zoo \n\n\nThe mission of the North Carolina Zoo is to conserve wildlife and their natural habitats. This exhibit will feature the Zoo’s regional and international conservation efforts focused on birds. Locally\, the Zoo protects and manages land\, installs glass mitigation to prevent bird collisions\, and contributes to citizen science projects. Globally\, the Zoo and partners protect endangered African vultures and work to prevent the extinction of native bird species in the Mariana Islands. \n\n\n\n\n\nGet to Know the Cape Fear Bird Observatory\nCape Fear Bird Observatory \n\n\nCome meet the Cape Fear Bird Observatory! Founded in 2020\, we are actively working to better understand the avian communities of the Cape Fear region. To do this we are monitoring migration\, studying regional species\, collaborating with environmental groups\, and exploring the outdoors with local school children. Through these endeavors\, we engage people of all ages and backgrounds in the importance of the wonderful wildlife and habitats the Cape Fear region has to offer. We are excited to hang out with our collaborators at the Museum and to tell folks from the Triangle what is happening in the southeast part of the state. \n\n\n\n\n\nBird Collections at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences\n\n\nThe NC Museum of Natural Sciences hosts a variety of collections of research-level specimens. These are used by scientists and artists from around the U.S. This event focuses on the Ornithology Unit\, so we will showcase some of the variety of bird specimens we manage and describe some of the ways in which researchers use our materials. Our specimen types include traditional “skins”\, bones\, wings spread open\, eggs\, nests\, and tissues. We will have on hand some specimens that can be safely handled by anyone (everyone loves an owl wing!). \n\n\n\n\n\nBird Tagging to Study Live Birds\n\n\nThere are a variety of techniques that researchers can use to trap\, tag\, and release live birds in order to study their movements and learn more about their life cycles. Our station will showcase some of the tagging methods we use\, along with examples of results we’ve obtained in our studies of NC birds. We will have specimens on hand – seeing these up close helps to visualize how the tagging works for different sized birds. \n\n\n\n\n\nA Study of NC Sparrow Chromosomes\n\nResearch Scientist for Ornithology\, John Gerwin\, has mentored a number of teen enthusiasts over the years. One of them is currently conducting this study – assessing the chromosomes of 2 species of sparrows that occur in the Piedmont of NC. It is not possible to determine the gender of these species by their plumages – the best way is to assay their chromosomes. One of John’s teen volunteers is doing this lab work and will be your station host to describe what\, and why\, we might do this type of study.\n\n\nPresentations- SECU Daily Planet Theater\n\n\n\n12:00pm\nJohn A. Gerwin \nResearch Scientist\, Educator\, NC Museum of Natural Sciences \n\n\nBird studies of the NC Piedmont\nThe Piedmont of NC is home to many species of birds. Some live here all-year\, whereas others are migrants. Some migrants come here to nest\, others come here to spend the winter; some are just passing through. John has studied a number of these species\, using various tag/track methods. He will highlight a few species and tracking techniques used to study how some birds “make a living”. \nAbout John:\nJohn began watching birds at about age 4 (so said his mother). He learned to stuff birds during his high school years. He then attended the University of Minnesota and spent all his free time at the Bell Museum on campus. He then headed down the Mississippi to do graduate work at Louisiana State University. He has worked at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for over 38 years. \n \n 
URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/ornithology-research-day/
LOCATION:Downtown Raleigh\, 11 West Jones Street\, Raleigh\, NC\, 27601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adults,All Ages,Educators,Special Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Kari%20Wouk":MAILTO:kari.wouk@naturalsciences.org
GEO:35.7822735;-78.6395502
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END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T120000
DTSTAMP:20260411T185656
CREATED:20260305T203233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T203912Z
UID:119663-1774087200-1774094400@naturalsciences.org
SUMMARY:Kid's Outdoor Clothing & Gear Swap
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our Kids’ Outdoor Clothing & Gear Swap! New and lightly used children’s outdoor clothes\, shoes\, inclement-weather gear\, baby carriers\, and more will be available – free – for you to take home. Interested in donating items to the swap? Bring them day-of! In addition\, we’ll also be collecting unused mini-toiletries for Oak City Cares. \nThe clothing swap and toiletries drive will take place at the picnic table area adjacent to the Nature PlaySpace. When you’re done with your swapping needs\, head to the Nature PlaySpace to get your play on! Please make sure your children are with you as you move between the areas. \nThis is a free drop-in program beginning at 10:00 am. While our Nature PlaySpace is designed for kids ages 7 and under\, all are welcome. As items included in the swap will be sourced through donations\, we do not guarantee the availability of specific sizes or types of items. \nFor more information\, contact prairieridge@naturalsciences.org. \nThis event is in partnership with the Longleaf Learning Collective and Peter Does Parks.
URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/kids-outdoor-clothing-gear-swap-5/
LOCATION:Prairie Ridge\, 1671 Gold Star Drive\, Raleigh\, NC\, 27607\, United States
CATEGORIES:Children,Outdoor Experiences,Walk-up Programs
ORGANIZER;CN="Kiersten%20Bowser":MAILTO:kiersten.bowser@naturalsciences.org
GEO:35.812182885871;-78.713963528554
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Prairie Ridge 1671 Gold Star Drive Raleigh NC 27607 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1671 Gold Star Drive:geo:-78.713963528554,35.812182885871
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T110000
DTSTAMP:20260411T185656
CREATED:20260126T191245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T114526Z
UID:118437-1774089000-1774090800@naturalsciences.org
SUMMARY:Nature Storytime (Whiteville)
DESCRIPTION:Join us in the Discovery Forest at the Museum at Whiteville for a family-friendly\, natural science story and fun activities. Families with children of all ages are welcome with books chosen for ages 4-7. No registration required. \nNote: Each week will feature the same Storytime program on Thursday and Saturday. Check our calendar to see the event series schedule. \nFor more information\, please call the Museum at Whiteville: 910-788-5100.
URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/nature-storytime-whiteville-2/2026-03-21/
LOCATION:Whiteville\, 415 South Madison Street\, Whiteville\, NC\, 28472\, United States
CATEGORIES:Children
GEO:34.3258479;-78.7027078
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Whiteville 415 South Madison Street Whiteville NC 28472 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=415 South Madison Street:geo:-78.7027078,34.3258479
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T152000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T155000
DTSTAMP:20260411T185656
CREATED:20260126T183958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T183958Z
UID:118400-1774106400-1774108200@naturalsciences.org
SUMMARY:Nature PlaySpace Pop-Up (Whiteville)
DESCRIPTION:Come play outside with the Museum at Whiteville staff in our Nature PlaySpace\, a fenced-in outdoor play area at the Museum at Whiteville. Staff will guide children in an interactive activity aimed to get them outside and connected with nature. Make sure to dress for the weather! Pop-ups will take place in light rain or sunshine\, chilly or warm. In the event of more extreme weather\, call the Museum at Whiteville or check our social media pages for updates on the program’s status.  No registration required.  \nThis program is offered monthly on: \nFirst Saturdays \nThird Saturdays \n3:20 PM – 3:50 PM \nFor more information\, please call the Museum at Whiteville: 910-788-5100.
URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/nature-playspace-pop-up-whiteville-2/2026-03-21/
LOCATION:Whiteville\, 415 South Madison Street\, Whiteville\, NC\, 28472\, United States
CATEGORIES:Children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Nature-Playspace-Entrance-9-9-25.jpg
GEO:34.3258479;-78.7027078
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T203000
DTSTAMP:20260411T185656
CREATED:20251113T193819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T192439Z
UID:114959-1774116000-1774125000@naturalsciences.org
SUMMARY:Member Night: Staying Alive
DESCRIPTION:Explore the striking ways nature fights back in “Staying Alive\,” featuring 17 live animals from around the world with unbelievable self-defense strategies. Members receive exclusive evening access during our Member Night!  Enjoy live animal encounters\, larger-than-life sculptures\, hands-on displays and interactive programs. Perfect for families and animal lovers of all ages. \nThe exhibition will be open from 6-8:30pm. \nCurrent membership and pre-registration required. Recommended for all ages. Not a member yet? Join today! \nSOLD OUT!
URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/member-night-staying-alive/
LOCATION:Downtown Raleigh\, 11 West Jones Street\, Raleigh\, NC\, 27601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adults,All Ages,Children,Member Exclusive,Teens
ORGANIZER;CN="Katie%20Cupp":MAILTO:Katie.Cupp@naturalsciences.org
GEO:35.7822735;-78.6395502
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Downtown Raleigh 11 West Jones Street Raleigh NC 27601 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=11 West Jones Street:geo:-78.6395502,35.7822735
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