Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Sensory Friendly Hours
2022-07-23 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Explore the museum in a sensory friendly environment. Dig for fossils in Bone Hunters’ Quarry, complete a scavenger hunt, meet live animals, and chat with staff from The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. Tours and quiet zones will be available for all guests.

Saturday, July 23, 2022
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sponsors

Science and Nature Lecture with Rose-Marie Muzika
2022-07-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Join us as we explore seasonal natural history phenomena of Powdermill Nature Reserve! A lecture will be given in the Parker Room at 2 pm, followed by a short outdoor exploration. Lectures are structured for adult audiences, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Program participants and visitors are expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place at the time of their visit.
What happens in the life of a tree and how do we know?
Trees are all around us, and they have a lot to say if we take the time to listen. Explore what we can learn about a forest from the tree species composition and hear some of the stories that trees can tell.

Morning Musings: A Senior Social
2022-07-14 10:00 - 13:30 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Looking for an exciting way to spend your morning? Enjoy it with dinosaurs, mammals, gems, botany, birds, and world cultures!
Carnegie Museum of Natural History invites you to explore nature throughout the museum with an open house featuring activities for seniors. Meet with one of the museum’s Natural History Interpreters and journey through some of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s historic, scientifically significant, and most beloved collections. Coffee, tea and light snacks will be available in the Senior Social lounge, located in the Music Hall Foyer.
Whether you’ve already signed up for a Senior Membership from Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, or just want to see what it’s all about – we hope you’ll stop by!
Reserve early – this event will sell out! Open to everyone ages 65+.
Register for the Event
Registering for the event below by choosing if you would like to attend a guided tour at a specific time or if you simply want to attend the event without a guided tour.

Event Only No Tour: Admission at Noon

Guided Tour10:15 a.m.

Guided Tour11 a.m.

Guided Tour11:45 a.m.

Guided Tour12:30 p.m.

Nature's Amazing Machines: Member Exclusive Family Night
2022-07-08 18:00 - 21:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Discover and investigate the marvels of nature and the machines it’s built at the Members’ Exclusive Family Night for Nature’s Amazing Machines! Register for this members-only party and take part in fun activities such as March Mammal Madness, light refreshments, cash bar, giveaways, and of course, time in the exhibition. Imagine your jaws could crush over 8,000 pounds in one bite, your ears could act as air conditioners, and your punch could break through aquarium glass.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s new exhibition, Nature’s Amazing Machines, explores these great evolutionary innovations. Nature’s Amazing Machines was developed by The Field Museum, Chicago, in partnership with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with generous support provided by The Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust and ITW Foundation.
Register for the Event
The museum will be open to members for this event from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Register for the event below by choosing the time you would like to tour the new exhibition.

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

Teen Game Night at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
2022-06-23 16:00 - 20:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Explore the playful side of nature at Game Night! Roam around the galleries in search of games including Uno, Jenga, Connect 4, and more! Team up or go solo for Jurassic Park trivia in Earth Theater and compete for fun prizes.
Register early to secure your free ticket, capacity is limited. Open to everyone ages 13-18.

Teen Game Night
Thursday, June 23, 2022, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Teen Membership is generously supported by the Robert and Mary Weisbrod Foundation.
Sponsored by

Science and Nature Lecture with Carla Rosenfeld
2022-06-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Join us as we explore seasonal natural history phenomena of Powdermill Nature Reserve! A lecture will be given in the Parker Room at 2 pm, followed by a short outdoor exploration. Lectures are structured for adult audiences, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Program participants and visitors are expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place at the time of their visit.
A full two-thirds of the over five-thousand named minerals on Earth are made directly or indirectly from biological activity. Biological minerals (known as biominerals) have wide-ranging purposes and are found in all six biological kingdoms. Learn about the wonderful world of microbial biominerals, how you might identify them in the wild, and their role in the environment.

Science Friday Presents Cephalopod Movie Night
2022-06-16 19:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Thursday, June 16 at 7 pm (doors and pre-show reception at 6 pm)
Carnegie Library Lecture Hall of Oakland, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(Enter through Carnegie Museum of Natural History.)
Cephalopod Week is back, with another eight days to cephalo-brate our many-armed friends!

Science Friday, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and 90.5 WESA are joining forces to present an evening in observance of the octopus, a commemoration of cuttlefish, a saturnalia for squid—it’s Cephalopod Movie Night! Attendees will view short science documentaries, hear from cephalopod researchers and other experts, and have a chance to ask our special guests their deep sea questions. Arrive at 6:00pm for a pre-show reception, including small bites and drinks and a chance to rub elbows with other cephalo-enthusiasts.
Our special guests include Matthew A. Birk, biology professor at Saint Francis University studying the relationship between cephalopods and the oxygen in their environment, Nicole Gioia, senior biologist, fish and invertebrates at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium who helps care for octopuses and other undersea creatures, and Tim Pearce, curator of the mollusks collection at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, who will show us how gastropods and cephalopods might be more similar than we think (plus, if we ask nicely, he’ll tell us a few snail jokes!).
This event is presented in partnership with our friends at Science Friday and 90.5 WESA.FM. Presented locally by Chatham University.

For your safety and the safety of those around you, all those attending this performance must show proof of a Covid-19 vaccination (final vaccine must be dated at least 14 days prior to the performance) at their time of entry with a government-issued ID (for guests aged 18 and older), and a valid ticket. Proof of vaccination can be shown via the physical card, a photo of your card, or digital vaccination passport apps. In addition, all those in attendance must wear a face mask that covers both nose and mouth. Please see our Visitor Conduct Policy for more information.

June Nature Crawl (21+)
2022-06-10 19:00 - 22:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Looking for something fun and new to do in Pittsburgh?
See the museum in a new light! Join museum staff on a 21+ self-guided crawl through all of the natural history galleries. Enjoy drop-in style activities including chats with scientific experts, tours, animal meet and greets, and more. Join in as many activities as you like to customize your own Nature Crawl experience. Whether you enjoy engaging with scientists, solving scavenger hunt clues, or just being in the museum after hours, Nature Crawl has something for you.
Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and light snacks will be available for purchase. Registration includes one pre-paid drink voucher.
Activities include:

Test your knowledge about colors, light, and parts of the spectrum you cannot see! Dr. Travis Olds will help you see infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and even gamma rays.

Half of all snail species are less than 1/8 inch (3 mm). Find and pick out minute land snails from a northern Alabama stream drift sample with Dr. Tim Pearce.

Talk to museum educator Jo Tauber to learn how your electronic devices impact our planet and what you can do to help.

Join artist and waterbear (tardigrade) enthusiast Asia Ward in an evening viewing, discussing, and drawing live tardigrades found in Ward’s backyard.

Chat with Eastern Woodlands archaeologist Kristina Gaugler to learn about the types of natural materials and tools that were made by Indigenous peoples in this region.

Pre-registration is required.

Nature Crawl
Friday, June 10, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
21+
Please note: For your safety and the safety of those around you, all those attending this event must be fully vaccinated and show proof of Covid-19 vaccination (final vaccine must be dated at least 14 days prior to the event) at their time of entry with a valid ticket. Proof of vaccination can be shown via the physical card, a photo of your card, or digital vaccination passport apps. In addition, a face mask that covers both the nose and mouth is recommendedunless guests are eating or drinking. Guests who do not adhere to the vaccination requirement or follow posted safety guidelines or instructions from staff will be asked to leave the premises. Failure to comply with this policy or rude or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated Please see our Visitor Conduct Policy for more information.

Phenomenal Fungi at Powdermill Nature Reserve
2022-06-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Join us for Phenomenal Fungi! Learn from experts about the many ecological roles of fungi, venture outside on guided mushroom walks, and enjoy hands-on activities to uncover fun fungal mysteries! This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are invited to drop in any time from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Please note: harvesting or collecting mushrooms or other wildlife is not permitted on Powdermill property.

Program participants and visitors are expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place at the time of their visit.

We Are Nature conversations: The Arts and the Anthropocene
2022-05-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Earth Theater
Come meet Asia Ward, Stuart Anderson, Shaun Slifer, and Michael Pisano, four local artists whose work is featured in the 2021-2022 exhibition We Are Nature: A New Natural History. Learn how the artists collaborated with Associate Curator of Anthropocene Studies, Nicole Heller in the interpretation of Anthropocene topics, such climate change, to produce engaging exhibits and explore the role of arts and community participation in the 21st century natural history museum. Following a dialogue in Earth Theater, participants will have the opportunity to join the artists and participate with the artworks on museum floor.

Please note: Event will take place in the Earth theater. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-up registrations at time of event are welcome as capacity allows.

Biodiversity Day at Powdermill
2022-05-21 09:00 - 14:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Discover the biodiversity of our region—and your own backyard. Join us for an adventurous day of guided hikes, specimen identification, field work demonstrations, and more, led by scientists and collection managers from Powdermill and Carnegie Museum of Natural History. For all ages and experience levels, from novices to seasoned naturalists. Come in for the whole event, or drop in for an hour or two. Advance registration requested but not required.

The Datafied Animal: Big Data, Machine Learning, and Wildlife Conservation
2022-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar Presents: The Datafied Animal: Big Data, Machine Learning, and Wildlife Conservation
Speaker: Emily Wanderer, University of Pittsburgh
Abstract: Over the past twenty years, scientists have developed an ever expanding “internet of animals.” This internet of animals is composed of GPS-tracking and biologging technologies and machine learning and AI tools; they are being deployed globally to produce what has been called a regime of benign surveillance of non-human life. As miniaturized GPS tags, camera traps, and bioacoustics monitoring now capture exponentially more data about wildlife, scientists and engineers are developing AI and machine learning tools to process that data. These include things like facial recognition systems for bears, an analogue to FaceNet, Google’s human facial recognition system, and machine learning translation of sperm whale sounds, part of a project to develop models for the study of non-human communications. There have been many studies of the social construction of machine learning and the effects of datafication on human lives. However, these studies leave unexamined what happens when these technologies are developed for or transferred to the study of animals. In this talk, Wanderer brings an anthropological perspective to tech for conservation, analyzing the ideas, cultural categories, and histories that shape machine learning and AI about non-human animals.
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Science and Nature Lecture: Beetles and Fungi
2022-05-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Join us as we explore seasonal natural history phenomena of Powdermill Nature Reserve! A lecture will be given in the Parker Room at 2 pm, followed by a short outdoor exploration. Lectures are structured for adult audiences, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
Beetles and Fungi: Best Friends Forever
What could be better than spotting fungi on your hike? How about spotting a spotted fungus beetle?
Learn about North America’s beautiful, bizarre fungus beetles, how to recognize them, and how fungus has played a critical role in insect evolution.
[Content warning to mycologists: this lecture WILL include slime molds, which are not technically fungi]

Program participants and visitors are expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place at the time of their visit.

Super Science Saturday: Poop, Guts, and Butts
2022-05-14 10:00 - 17:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
All across the animal kingdom – everybody poops! It is a little gross, but we promise to keep it clean as we take a closer look at guts and digestion together. Learn how scientists analyze dung to understand animal health. Hone your own wildlife tracking skills by exploring the science of scat identification. Have a good laugh looking for butt-shaped seeds, fruits, fungi, minerals, and fossils. If you’re not already intrigued by the icky, sticky, stinky side of nature – you will be after this family-friendly activity!

Sponsors
Super Science Saturdays are sponsored by PA Cyber, TribLIVE, and Tender Care Learning Centers, a proud partner of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

Family Nature Walk at Powdermill
2022-05-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center at 2 pm before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
Pre-registration is required.

Family Nature Walk
Saturday, May 7, 2022 2 p.m.

Sold out? Sign up for our waitlist!

Revenge of the Fifth: Star Wars Trivia Night
2022-05-05 18:30 - 19:30 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
May the force be with you for our Revenge of the Fifth Star Wars Trivia Night! Compete head-to-head with other Star Wars film enthusiasts for the top prize. The winner will get to visit part of our vertebrate paleontology collection to look at real Diplodocus fossils with our principal dinosaur researcher Dr. Matt Lamanna.
Your ticket includes admission to the museum from 3 to 8 p.m. on May 5, 2022.

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Dim the Lights for Nature: A conversation about light pollution, wildlife, people and sustainable cities
2022-05-05 18:00 - 19:30 | CMOA Theater
Join the conversation and learn more about the impact of light pollution on the Pittsburgh area, what you can do to reduce light pollution at your home and in your neighborhood and why it matters. Associate curator of Anthropocene Studies, Nicole Heller will moderate a discussion with local experts Jon Rice, Urban Bird Conservation Coordinator, Diane Turnshek, Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University, and Nick Liadis, local architect and bird conservationist. The group will discuss research related Lights Out Pittsburgh, Bird Safe Pittsburgh and the Dark Skies Initiative. This Interdisciplinary discussion will share insights and resources to take action, and welcome comments and questions from the audience.

Please note: Event will take place in the CMOA theater. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-up registrations at time of event are welcome.

Dim the Lights
Thursday May 5, 6 p.m.

Moriarty Science Seminar: Working the Face: Integrative Evolutionary Morphology & Physiology in the Mammalian Face
2022-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar Presents: Working the Face: Integrative Evolutionary Morphology & Physiology in the Mammalian Face
Speaker: Anne Burrows, Duquesne University
Abstract:Faces are ubiquitous in the mammalian and general vertebrate clades. However, our understanding of the evolutionary morphology and physiology of the face remains unclear. We have many paleontological pieces of evidence for how the bony and dental aspects of mammalian faces changed over time, especially in regard to dietary functions, brain development, and even the hearing and vestibular mechanisms. Similar evidence for the muscles of facial expression, the “mimetic muscles”, and associated connective tissue are lacking. This talk integrates evidence from the fossil record, comparative anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, plastic surgery, genetics, social networks, and artificial intelligence to understand the evolution of the mammalian face.
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Moriarty Science Seminar: Modern mineralogy at the Smithsonian NMNH
2022-04-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar Presents: Modern mineralogy at the Smithsonian NMNH
Speaker: Gabriela Farfan, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Abstract:The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is renowned for its National Gem and Mineral Collection that encompasses the American “crown jewels,” such as the Hope Diamond, world class mineral specimens, and hundreds of thousands of reference specimens for use in research. This presentation will be a tour of some of the most recent highlights that have been added to the National collection, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of modern mineralogical research being done by Dr. Gabriela Farfan and her colleagues in the Department of Mineral Sciences. The first research example is a gem science project on the origin of trapiche-like inclusion patterns in quartz from Inner Mongolia, China. The second is an example of environmental biomineralogy and how we can use crystallography and mineralogy to learn more about how coral skeletons and mollusk shells grow under changing aquatic environments.
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Morning Musings: A Senior Social
2022-04-25 10:00 - 13:30 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Looking for an exciting way to spend your morning? Carnegie Museum of Natural History invites you to explore nature throughout the museum with an open house featuring tours and refreshments for seniors. Meet with one of the museum’s Natural History Interpreters and journey through some of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s most historic and scientifically significant, and beloved collections.
Breakfast will be available in a Senior Social lounge.
This event is free for anyone ages 65+ whether you’ve already signed up for a Senior Membership from Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh or just want to see what it’s all about.
Multiple tours will be offered throughout the morning and early afternoon as well as the option to enjoy refreshments and take a self-guided tour of the museum. Reserve early – this event will sell out!
Register for the Event
Registering for the event below by choosing if you would like to attend a guided tour at a specific time or if you simply want to attend the event without a guided tour.

Event Only No Tour

Guided Tour10:15 a.m.

Guided Tour11 a.m.

Guided Tour11:45 a.m.

Guided Tour12:30 p.m.

An Earth Day Evening with Radiolab’s Jad Abumrad
2022-04-23 19:00 | Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, United States
The Warhol and Carnegie Museum of Natural History welcome back Jad Abumrad, founder and co-host of NPR’s Radiolab as well as composer and producer. Drawing on Radiolab episodes, and in conversation with Dr. Nicole Heller, associate curator of Anthropocene Studies at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the program will explore Abumrad’s creative process, how Radiolab bridges science, art, and humanities in storytelling, and the power of this approach for interpreting the complex social-natural science needed for sustaining a healthy planet. Abumrad has received three Peabody Awards for Radiolab, and was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2011.
Pre-registration is required. This event takes place at Carnegie Library Lecture Hall.

Please note: Doors open at 6 p.m. For your safety and the safety of those around you, all those attending this performance must show proof of a Covid-19 vaccination (final vaccine must be dated at least 14 days prior to the performance) at their time of entry with a valid ticket. Proof of vaccination can be shown via the physical card, a photo of your card, or digital vaccination passport apps. In addition, all those in attendance must wear a face mask that covers both. Guests who do not follow posted safety guidelines or instructions from staff will be asked to leave the premises. Failure to comply with this policy or rude or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. Please see our Visitor Conduct Policy for more information.

An Earth Day Evening with Radiolab’s Jad Abumrad
Saturday April 23, 7 p.m.

Co-Presented with

Amphibian Extravaganza at Powdermill Nature Reserve
2022-04-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Join us for Amphibian Extravaganza! Learn to play frog call bingo, meet amphibian experts, and hear about current research! This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is requested but not required. Participants are invited to drop in any time from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Program participants and visitors are expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place at the time of their visit.

Super Science Saturday: Egg-stravaganza
2022-04-16 10:00 - 17:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
The egg-citement returns with our annual springtime scavenger hunt and an egg-cellent line-up of things to do with kids! From tiny insects to giant dinosaurs, the museum has eggs and nests of all shapes and sizes to explore. Can you find them all? Follow egg-themed clues to search for specimens throughout the museum, earn stamps as you go, then collect your bag full of springtime goodies! While supplies last.

Sponsors
Super Science Saturdays are sponsored by PA Cyber, TribLIVE, and Tender Care Learning Centers, a proud partner of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

Sensory Friendly Hours
2022-04-16 08:30 - 10:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Explore the museum in a sensory friendly environment. Tours and quiet zones will be available for all guests.

Saturday, April 16, 2022
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sponsors

Recording phenology: tracking changing life cycles in a warming world
2022-04-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Join researchers Abby Yancy and Dr. Mason Heberling from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Section of Botany to learn about their ongoing research on climate change’s impacts on the timing of plant flowering, or phenology, in our region. This interactive workshop invites community members to contribute to this research through Nature’s Notebook, an online platform where anyone can upload their observations of plant and animal life cycles to a national database. In this program, you’ll learn how to record these types of phenological observations and set up a long-term monitoring site in your backyard or beyond.
This program is currently available both in-person at Powdermill Nature Reserve in Rector, PA and via Zoom. Please register for either in person or virtual attendance below.

In-Person Attendance at Powdermill
1795 Route 381
Rector, PA 15677

Virtual Attendance via Zoom
Zoom link will be emailed to you

Woodcock Walk at Powdermill Nature Reserve
2022-04-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
What makes that noise that sounds like “Peent” in the night? Woodcocks! Join us as we track down these amazing timberdoodles to hear and see their stunning sky dance. We’ll walk from the Nature Center to a field where they regularly display. This is a family-friendly event. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather and a headlamp. This event is weather dependent and will be canceled if it is raining.

Program participants and visitors are expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place at the time of their visit.

Friday Night at the Museum
2022-04-08 18:00 - 22:00 | At the Museum, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213-4007, United States
Can’t make it to the museum during the day? We’re open late on Friday, April 8! All Carnegie Museum of Natural History galleries will be open from 6p.m. to 10p.m. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and light snacks will be available for purchase.

Friday Night at the Museum
Friday, April 8, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Moriarty Science Seminar: Dead shells speak: detecting unsuspected ecosystem change without being there
2022-04-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar Presents: Dead shells speak: detecting unsuspected ecosystem change without being there
Speaker: Susan Kidwell, University of Chicago
Abstract:One of the major challenges for environmental management and conservation biology is simply discovering ‘what was natural’ before human impacts. This problem is especially pressing in marine systems, where biological monitoring and other records are brief or lacking. This question can be tackled locally in a geologically common-sensical way. First, we compare local dead-shell assemblages — sieved from the surface mixed layer — to a census of the local living community, identifying which species occur only as dead individuals (suggesting their populations have waned) and those that occur only alive, despite having mineralized tissues that should leave a trace, suggesting they are new arrivals to the habitat or region. We can then “age un-mix” the dead-shell assemblage using radiocarbon or other methods, which permits us to establish when taxa declined (or increased) relative to local timelines of natural and cultural stressors. This simple approach, strongly supported by meta-analysis and mechanistic modeling, provides a powerful tool for recognizing ecological change retrospectively. Importantly, it has the power to exonerate as well as to incriminate human activities. The method will be illustrated with some case studies from around the world.
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Family Nature Walk at Powdermill
2022-04-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
Join us as we hit the trails for a guided nature walk! We’ll meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center at 2 pm before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
Pre-registration is required.

Family Nature Walk
Saturday, April 2, 2022 2 p.m.

Sold out? Sign up for our waitlist!
Program participants and visitors are expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place at the time of their visit.

Woodcock Walk at Powdermill Nature Reserve
2022-04-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA, 15677, United States
What makes that noise that sounds like “Peent” in the night? Woodcocks! Join us as we track down these amazing timberdoodles to hear and see their stunning sky dance. We’ll walk from the Nature Center to a field where they regularly display. This is a family-friendly event. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather and a headlamp. This event is weather dependent and will be canceled if it is raining.

[This event was rescheduled from March 25 due to inclement weather.]
Can’t make this date? Another Woodcock Walk is happening April 8!
Program participants and visitors are expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place at the time of their visit.
