NatureFest
2026-03-21 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: Included with Purchase of Museum Admission
Get Tickets →
Explore the vibrant voices of the natural world at our second annual NatureFest! From animal communication to natural soundscapes, this one-day celebration invites you to tune in to nature with the expertise of our scientists, educators, and community partners. Browse the full schedule below and plan your day. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day out or a deep dive into the science of sound, NatureFest offers activities for curious explorers of all ages.
NatureFest Schedule
Family-Friendly Activities: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., drop-in any time
Enjoy hands-on activities for kids of all ages and their families that explore sound in nature and culture. From dinosaur sounds to Bornean frog calls, there’s so much to hear, see, and discover at NatureFest!
Dinosaur Sounds: What might dinosaurs have sounded like? How well could dinosaurs hear? Investigate dinosaur anatomy to answer your burning questions about their vocalization and hearing abilities.
Frog Calls: Learn to identify a range of frog calls and hear the latest on frog research happening in Borneo.
Seeing Sound: Compare ultrasound graphs of bird calls and learn to identify them visibly.
Get Ready for Summer Camps: Meet members of our Summer Camps team, try a favorite camp activity, and find out how to register for 2026 camps.
City Nature Challenge: Learn how you can participate in this global bioblitz.
Animal Sounds Storytime: 10:15–11:00 a.m.
Join Natural History Interpreters in Earth Theater to hear stories featuring animal sounds. Perfect for young science explorers.
Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Dance Performance: 1:00 p.m. –1:45 p.m.
Enjoy a dance demonstration by Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center that highlights the historic use of natural materials in outfits and instruments, as well as modern updates.
Yoga with SolSoulSole: 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (New session every half hour)
Take a break at 20-minute yoga sessions offered on the half hour with instruction by SolSoulSole Yoga.
Visible Conservation Lab: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., plus special activities below
Visit the Visible Lab within The Stories We Keep: Bringing the World to Pittsburgh anytime during NatureFest to see conservation and collections staff in action.
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Observe staff cataloging frog calls recorded by Dr. Jennifer Sheridan, Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles, during her field research in Borneo.
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Chat with staff experts and ask them anything about conserving the objects in our care.
Mark Your Calendar for NatureFest
Purchase of museum admission is required to attend NatureFest. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. Make sure to select March 21, 2026 for admission to NatureFest. Get Tickets →
Highlights from NatureFest 2025

Nature Craft
2026-03-25 17:00 - 18:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Calling all artists, hobbyists, and nature enthusiasts! Powdermill Nature Reserve is hosting a new monthly community craft night. Join us as we seek out inspiration and materials from the natural world to incorporate into our art. Every month will be different, so be sure to join us for them all. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Expect an email near the event date for more information about what we will be working on.
Register Now →

Morning Woodcock Walk
2026-03-28 06:00 - 08:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: $10 ($8 for Carnegie Museums Members)
What makes that noise that sounds like “peent” in the night? The American woodcock! Also called timberdoodles, bogsuckers, or Labrador twisters, these oddly shaped birds are famous for their mating displays (The Sky Dance, as it was called by famed naturalist Aldo Leopold). Join us as we track down this elusive natural phenomenon. We’ll meet in the Nature Center where we will learn more about these fascinating creatures followed by a hike to a field where the timberdoodles regularly display. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather and a headlamp. This event is weather dependent and will be canceled if it is raining.
Purchase Tickets→

Sensory Friendly Weekend
2026-03-28 10:00 - 17:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
When: Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: Free with Purchase of Museum Admission
Families with members who have sensory processing needs are invited to explore the museum galleries with reduced audio and visual elements. Calming spaces with support materials, including single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc., will be available. Museum experts will be on-hand to talk for as little or as long as you want about favorite topics like dinosaurs, rocks, gems, animals, bugs, and much more. Every program is designed to welcome all ages and abilities.
Standard sensory friendly supports are in place during regular hours for all Carnegie Museum of Natural History visitors:
• Lower lighting in select galleries
• Video sounds and exhibit background audio turned off in select galleries
• Calming spaces
• Takeaway support materials (single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc.)
To provide the most sensory friendly environment possible, advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration is available online until 3:00 p.m. on the day prior to the program. All customers who pre-register will receive a welcome packet via e-mail with detailed information about the event.
Register Now for March 28→
Register Now for March 29→

Evening Woodcock Walk
2026-04-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Friday, April 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: $10 ($8 for Carnegie Museums Members)
What makes that noise that sounds like “peent” in the night? The American woodcock! Also called timberdoodles, bogsuckers, or Labrador twisters, these oddly shaped birds are famous for their mating displays. The Sky Dance, as it was called by famed naturalist Aldo Leopold, begins at twilight. Join us as we track down this elusive natural phenomenon. We’ll meet in the Nature Center where we will learn more about these fascinating creatures followed by a hike to a field where the timberdoodles regularly display. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather and a headlamp. This event is weather dependent and will be canceled if it is raining.
Purchase Tickets→

Family Nature Walk
2026-04-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register Now →

R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar: Testing the “Sixth Sense” of Anuran Amphibians
2026-04-09 18:00 - 19:00 | PA
Talk: Testing the “Sixth Sense” of Anuran Amphibians
Speaker: Dr. Rafael Márquez, Senior Researcher, Museo Nacional Ciencias Naturales
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Where: Library Lecture Hall and online via Zoom
Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required.
Anuran amphibians (adult frogs and toads) have a very unique adaptation of the inner ear that detects vibrations from soil, water, and plants. Dr. Rafael Márquez, Senior Researcher at the Museo Nacional Ciencias Naturales in Spain, will describe field tests with the emissions of vibrations to shed light on the selective advantage of this seismic detector.
Join us in person to practice identifying frog calls with a Natural History Interpreter following the lecture.
American Sign Language interpretation will be provided by Global Wordsmiths for in-person attendees.
Registration is required to attend R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars. Register here to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.
To reach the Library Lecture Hall, please use the Portal Entry accessible from the parking area. Proceed past the classrooms and make a left at the Carnegie Library entrance. Head down the hall to the Fossil Fuels Cafe and take the stairs or elevator to the left up one level. Once in Discovery Basecamp, the entrance to the Library Lecture Hall will be to your right, along the wall, next to the Earth Theater. There will be signs and staff along the way to assist you.

Upcoming R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars
Learn about scientific discoveries directly from the experts in the field. Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientific research staff and invited speakers discuss their latest findings on numerous scientific topics at the R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar series.

Science in the Stream Day
2026-04-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: April 11, 2026, 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free. Registration recommended.
Register for Science in the Stream→
Why do scientists study streams? And what are they looking for? Learn the answers to these questions and try out some scientific techniques yourself with us on Science in the Stream Day! At this family-friendly event you’ll get to meet real scientists, try hands-on experiments, go on a quest around the Nature Center, and get your feet wet in Powdermill Run. Community partners Trout Unlimited Forbes Chapter and Mountain Watershed Association will be on-hand with stream-themed activities to enjoy. Be prepared to get wet, don’t forget your water shoes!
Activity Schedule
Ongoing throughout the Event:
Salamander Survey Scavenger Hunt: Look for model salamanders and record them on your survey sheet. When you’re done, turn your results in for a prize!
Natural Materials Boat Building (ends at ​3:15): Build your own small boat to race down the stream at 3:30 p.m.
Clay Salamander Experiment: Build your own clay salamander and hide it in the forest! Clay salamanders in nice moist areas will stay soft, but clay salamanders in areas unsuitable for salamanders will dry out. Remember to mark your salamander location on the map, so that you can check on your salamander and others throughout the day.

Collect Macroinvertebrates in the Stream: Get in the water and looks for critters with the expert guidance of a Powdermill educator.

Identify Macroinvertebrates: Look at macroinvertebrate specimens through a microscope and learn to identify different species with experts from Powdermill and Mountain Watershed Association.

Play in the Mud: Kids are encouraged to play in the mud! Let your little explorers get dirty and have fun. (We’ll have an area to rinse off. Dress accordingly and bring your own towel.)

12:30 p.m.: Watch the documentary RiverWebs in the Nature Center.
1:30 p.m.: Electro-fishing Demonstration with Dr. Mary Janecka, Director of Powdermill Nature Reserve. Meet at the front desk of the Nature Center.

2:00 p.m.: Watch three short nature documentaries in the Nature Center: Judy’s Creek, Cold Waters, and Guarding Our Waters.

3:30 p.m.: Boat Race! Build a boat from natural materials any time from 12:00-3:15 p.m. and bring it to Powdermill Run to compete.

Science in the Stream was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation administered through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Laurel Highlands Mini-Grant Program.

Powdermill Avian Research Center Guided Tour
2026-04-17 08:00 - 09:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Friday, April 17, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Enjoy a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility, including the flight tunnel. Visit the bird banding lab and see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds, and learn about the data they gather. Learn about how we’re studying avian perception of glass to provide glass manufacturers and building designers with important information that will help reduce bird-window collisions.
This event takes place in an area typically closed to the public—don’t miss it! Guests must pre-register for the tour and arrive at Powdermill Avian Research Center by 8:00 a.m. The tour is 1.5 hours long.
Register→

Powdermill Avian Research Center Open House
2026-04-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Join us for an open house at the Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC)! Although PARC is operational year-round, it is typically closed to the public. Open House is your opportunity to go behind the scenes and watch our scientists at work. See the bird banding processes up close, visit the flight tunnel, learn about avian perception of glass, and talk with Powdermill researchers.
Drop in at any time from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. We recommend arriving as early as possible for the best chance to see a variety of birds. Registration is recommended but not required.
This event is weather dependent and will be cancelled due to heat (>78 degrees), strong winds, or inclement weather.
Register→

Nature Craft
2026-04-28 17:00 - 18:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Calling all artists, hobbyists, and nature enthusiasts! Powdermill Nature Reserve is hosting a new monthly community craft night. Join us as we seek out inspiration and materials from the natural world to incorporate into our art. Every month will be different, so be sure to join us for them all. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Expect an email near the event date for more information about what we will be working on.
Register Now →

Powdermill Avian Research Center Guided Tour
2026-05-01 08:00 - 09:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Friday, May 1, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Enjoy a free guided tour of the bird banding lab and research facility, including the flight tunnel. Visit the bird banding lab and see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds, and learn about the data they gather. Learn about how we’re studying avian perception of glass to provide glass manufacturers and building designers with important information that will help reduce bird-window collisions.
This event takes place in an area typically closed to the public—don’t miss it! Guests must pre-register for the tour and arrive at Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC) by 8:00 a.m. The tour is 1.5 hours long.
Register→

Family Nature Walk
2026-05-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677
Tickets: Free
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages.
Events fill up fast! Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot and help us plan timing, seating, and/or trail routes. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register Now →

R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar: Lightning Talks from Carnegie Museum Scientists
2026-05-07 18:00 - 19:00 | PA
Natural History in a Flash: Lightning Talks from Carnegie Museum Scientists
When: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Where: Art Theater and online via Zoom
Tickets: Free. Museum admission not required.
Meet a variety of Carnegie Museum of Natural History scientists in charge of the museum’s contemporary research and vast collections of specimens and objects. Join us for quick talks that highlight research and scientific activities happening daily at the museum and stay after the talks to interact with CMNH Science staff in a fun, informal setting.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Nicole Heller, Chair of Research and Curator of Anthropocene Studies
Dr. Tim Pearce, Curator of Mollusks
Serina Brady, Collection Manager of Birds
Dr. Lisa Haney, Curator, Egypt on the Nile
Dr. John Wible, Curator of Mammals
Luke DeGroote, Avian Conservation Scientist at Powdermill Nature Reserve
Kristina Gaugler, Collection Manager of Anthropology
Dr. Matt Lamanna, Mary R. Dawson Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology

Registration is required to attend R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars. Register to attend in person or click here to join us via Zoom.

Powdermill Avian Research Center Open House
2026-05-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Join us for an open house at the Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC)! Although PARC is operational year-round, it is typically closed to the public. Open House is your opportunity to go behind the scenes and watch our scientists at work. See the bird banding processes up close, visit the flight tunnel, learn about avian perception of glass, and talk with Powdermill researchers.
Drop in at any time from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. We recommend arriving as early as possible for the best chance to see a variety of birds. Registration is recommended but not required.
This event is weather dependent and will be cancelled due to heat (>78 degrees), strong winds, or inclement weather.
Register→

Nature Craft
2026-05-20 17:00 - 18:30 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve
Tickets: Free
Calling all artists, hobbyists, and nature enthusiasts! Powdermill Nature Reserve is hosting a new monthly community craft night. Join us as we seek out inspiration and materials from the natural world to incorporate into our art. Every month will be different, so be sure to join us for them all. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Expect an email near the event date for more information about what we will be working on.
Register Now →
