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Programs Located on the First Floor
Smokey Bear (Main Lobby)
Meet Smokey Bear and Ranger Karen Glesman and
find out what forest rangers do to protect our forests.
Reuse, Recycle…Recreate! (Main Lobby)
Create a mosaic of a bird by using household and manufacturing waste materials that were rescued from a landfill. Peggy Steinbach, the Museum’s art instructor, helps you design a
one-of-a-kind artwork.
Programs Located on the Fourth Floor
Sustainable Nanotech
Operate remote-control solar and fuel cell cars as you learn about alternative energy applications of nanotechnology—the science of the super small—with Aline F. Gianfagna of the Center for Sustainable Ecosystem Nanotechnologies, College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, University at Albany. Gianfagna talks about how nanotechnology can be used to solve the world’s global ecosystem problems as well as environmental problems and discusses nanotechnology in everyday things.
Native Stories and Tracking (3–4 pm)
James Bruchac, award-winning author and storyteller of The Ndakinna Education Center, tells stories and shows tracking techniques that reflect how Native Americans’ reliance on the natural world helped shape many Native legends, cultural values, and social interactions that continue today.
The Big Fish
Join Regina Willis, student conservation associate of the Hudson River Estuary Program, and build a 21-foot puzzle of the river
as you explore its history, physical features, wildlife, and
use. See a life-size model of a 6-foot Atlantic Sturgeon
and find out why these fish call the Hudson home.
Clearwater Sloop
Join Pat Peebles, president, and Arlene Sumner of North River Friends of Clearwater, for a slide show about the Clearwater Sloop Club, whose mission is to encourage the environmental appreciation for the Hudson River.
Invaders
Join Ron Gill of the New York State Biodiversity Research Institute and find out about some invasive species that may threaten our state’s native biodiversity. Learn about a variety of invaders, from a small flatworm with a voracious appetite for earthworms to a giant weed that poses a public health threat.
Leave No Trace
Before you get your camping gear together to head out to the woods, stop by this hands-on program on eco-camping protocol presented by Ted Beblowski, a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
Objects from the Past
Check out genuine objects, both ancient and more recent, that people of the past left behind. Ralph Rataul, Janice Morrison, and Susan Winchell-Sweeney of the Museum’s Anthropology Lab explain how the science of archaeology is used to answer “what,” “when,” and “who” questions about these objects.
Protecting the Adirondacks
Join Katie Buckley of the Adirondack Council for tips on saving energy and learn how the council’s first citizen-participation carbon-retirement program prevents the emission of thousands
of tons of carbon dioxide from existing power plants.
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Visit the Friends of the Pine Bush Community, Inc. and see
plant material, animal specimens, and other natural artifacts
from the communities in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Pick up maps and information about the places to go in the preserve, including the Pine Bush Discovery Center.
Arm of the Sea Mask and Puppet Theater presents
“City that Drinks the Mountain Sky” (1–2 pm)
Through poetry, puppetry, and evocative music, this production follows New York City’s water as it makes its way from the
Catskill Mountains to 9 million downstate residents.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Robin Tubolino of Nature Revealed shows ways to turn your
old and used goods into beautiful and useful treasures. She
also has ideas on projects you can do to reduce, reuse,
and recycle, including how to make bird feeders,
flowerpots, kites, sandals, and jewelry.
Gardening Fun for All
Master Gardeners Victoria Shipp and Eileen Magenis of Cornell Cooperative Extension have things to see, do, and take. Watch worms work their magic, see seedlings and beanstalks, and do a paper-folding activity to make seedling “pots.” Take home instructions for making soda-bottle terrariums and other fun projects as well as an “Earth Day Activities for Kids” handout.
Live Reptiles and Amphibians
Bring your observation skills and curiosity to Dee Strnisa of Five Rivers and Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) and find out about her live reptiles and amphibians (not venomous), including some turtles that are endangered, threatened, and
of special concern in New York state.
Endangered, Extinct, and Back from the Brink
Join Museum Educator Nancy Berns and examine specimens from extinct and endangered animals. Touch real mastodon
and orca whale teeth and the shell of a giant green turtle.
Find out what you can do to help promote biodiversity
and slow down the ever-increasing extinction rate.
Energy Conservation
Patricia Hanley and Lennie Micelli, utility consumer program specialists with the New York State Office of Consumer Services, show you how to make your home or apartment more energy efficient as well as other ways to conserve energy. Complimentary activity books for children, biodegradable bags, and more
are available to take home.
Water Cycle Game
Play the part of a water droplet and learn about the comings and goings of water during a water cycle game with Margaret Phillips of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Save Energy
Join Leslie Polsinello of the New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and find out
how to make your home and/or business comfortable
and safe, while at the same time reducing your
utility costs and lightening your carbon footprint.
The Diverse Fish Fauna of the Hudson River
The Hudson River is home to or a stopping point for more than 200 species of fish. Bryan Weatherwax of the Museum’s Fish Lab displays live fish and Museum specimens found in the Hudson. This is your chance to get an up-close look at some of the fish that use the various habitats of the river.
Albany Vegetarian Network
Visit Jan Lajeunesse for healthy recipes and information on global warming, including how you can help to stop or reverse
it. Kids are invited to color with soy crayons.
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