Americorps Member and Teacher Education Specialist Taylor Prichard scans the Neuse River for birds.

Nature Journaling Workshop sparks joy, curiosity

March 12, 2021

Americorps Member and Teacher Education Specialist Taylor Prichard scans the Neuse River for birds. Gratitude. Reverence. Joy. Curiosity. These were just a few of the words used by eastern NC teachers to describe our “Nature Journaling in Your Nature Neighborhood” educator workshop last Saturday. On March 6, twelve teachers from eastern North Carolina joined Museum… Read More >


Balloonfish closeup

Museum Veterinary Services Team comes to aid of resident balloonfish

The balloonfish, a Long-spine Porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus), is a marine species native to North Carolina. Their teeth are fused together into a sharp cranial beak-like structure ideal for crushing prey such as clams, sea urchins and crabs. Although balloonfish are generally slow swimmers, they have a well-developed defensive behavior used to escape predators. When stressed… Read More >


Zebra mussels in moss ball.

Consumer Alert: Aquarium Moss Balls May Contain Invasive Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels are an invasive species that have been found embedded in aquatic moss balls recently shipped to retail outlets across the United States. URGENT UPDATE to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission press release sent out March 5: RALEIGH, N.C. (March 5, 2021, 1:50 p.m.) – This afternoon, Dr. Art Bogan, research curator of mollusks… Read More >


Museum volunteer and TNVLC awardee, Kaitlyn Whitteker

Museum Paleontology volunteer named TNVLC Volunteer of the Week

March 11, 2021

Museum volunteer and TNVLC awardee, Kaitlyn Whitteker. Kaitlyn Whitteker was featured last week by the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center as their Volunteer of the Week. This recognition is based on Paleontology Lab Manager Eric Lund’s nomination. Eric’s nomination read, in part: “Kaitlyn volunteers with the Museum’s Paleontology Unit, predominantly in fossil preparation. By… Read More >


A Key deer fawn approaches a camera trap.

Connecting the spots for conservation of diminutive Key deer

March 10, 2021

A Key deer fawn approaches a camera trap. Click to enlarge. Did you know that the spots on deer fawns are unique to each individual, just like our own fingerprints are uniquely ours? Researchers from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina State University and the University of Florida recently used this characteristic… Read More >