Programs and Events Calendar

Hummingbird Banding
2024-07-20 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Prairie Ridge, 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, United States
Have you ever wondered how scientists study birds? Are you enamored by the beauty and majesty of hummingbirds? Join us as we welcome a licensed hummingbird bander to Prairie Ridge! Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and settle in to wait as we watch and listen for the elusive hummingbird visitors we plan to study and band. While you’re waiting, you’ll learn about the ecology and history of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in North Carolina and how scientists use bands to study birds.
This program will occur outside the Outdoor Classroom, a short walk down the gravel path from our parking lot. Please bring something to sit on (lawn chair, picnic blanket, etc.). While this program welcomes families to join us, please note that this program will include some periods of quiet sitting and waiting, and as such, may not be suitable for all children.
For more information, contact Emma at emma.blackford@naturalsciences.org

Art of Science: Biodiversity and Screenprinting
2024-07-20 12:00 - 15:00
The Art of Science series is for adults who like to blend science and art. Each program will include hands-on experience with a citizen science project and creating an associated art project. Participants will take home their project and tools so they can make additional projects on their own.
In this program, we will explore documenting biodiversity as we screenprint! Instructions for collecting and submitting biodiversity data and making your screen-printed project will be provided during the program — no experience required. Your program fee covers the cost of the tools and supplies needed to make multiple designs and multiple prints, including screens, black and white ink, tools, gloves, tape and three items to print (a tote bag, a drawstring backpack and a bandana). Please feel free to bring additional items to print, such as T-shirts or tote bags! You can print any design that you’d like, so it will be helpful if you come to the class with an idea for an image 5″ or smaller. Your instructor will have a few designs on hand in case you can’t come up with one on your own.
Pre-registration is required for this in-person program for adults and there is a fee to attend ($23 Museum Members, $25 non-members).
Register here!
This program will be conducted entirely outdoors, at least partly in a covered, shaded space that is exposed to the elements. Please come prepared for a short walk over uneven terrain by wearing sturdy closed-toed shoes and dressing for the weather.

Moth-ing for Science
2024-07-20 20:30 - 2024-07-21 00:00
Photo: Chris Goforth.
This program has been postponed due to poor weather.
Celebrate National Moth Week with the Museum at Prairie Ridge! Enjoy a brief orientation in the outdoor classroom, then head out to our blacklights to see what’s out and about throughout the night. Bring a flashlight, a camera (if you have one), and your moth questions. We’ll have activities for kids, Moth Bingo (with prizes!) for everyone, an activity hosted by the North Carolina Entomological Society, and a station to upload photos of the moths that we see to Natural North Carolina or other citizen science projects so that our data can help scientists learn more about the species in our area. You’ll walk away with basic identification guides you can use for your own moth adventures!
This is a drop-in program, so you are welcome to arrive at any point during the stated times. Please come dressed for the weather and bring a flashlight, as you will be making a short walk between the classroom and the parking lot that is unlighted. All ages are welcome to this program, but it is best suited to ages 8 and up. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
In the event of bad weather, please call the Prairie Ridge weather line at 919.707.8888 and select option 5 or watch our Facebook page to learn if the program has been canceled/postponed.
