PACIFIC GROVE, CA. (Dec. 18, 2018) — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has a number of fun and informative events for both children and adults on tap for the first three months of 2019.
The calendar for January, February and March includes seminars, member events, hikes, field trips, receptions, teacher training workshops, night-time events and volunteer orientations.
Here’s a chronologically rundown for events in January, February and March, 2019, at the museum, located at 165 Forest Ave., in Pacific Grove.
Friday, January 18, 2019
Hardcore Natural History Series — “Deportation Uncovered” with Dr. Regina Langhout
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Hardcore Natural History will explore the process of deportation and its effects on the broader community with Dr. Regina Langhout, professor of psychology and provost of Oakes College at UC Santa Cruz. Dr. Langhout is the lead author on a policy brief, “Statement on the Effects of Deportation and Forced Separation on Immigrants, their Families, and Communities,” which outlines the trauma and violence of today’s deportation process. Ticket prices are as follows: $5 members online, $10 non-members online, $15 at the door.
Saturday, January 19, 2019 Junior Naturalist Excursion
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Members of the PG Museum’s Junior Naturalist club (ages 7-12) will get a unique chance to visit the UC Santa Cruz Fort Ord Natural Reserve (UCSC FONR) in Marina, California. We’ll join researchers to learn about the plants and animals that call the wild Ord their home. Interested in becoming a Junior Naturalist? Visit https://www.pgmuseum.org/junior-naturalist/
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Member Event – A Rising Tide in California
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The California King Tides Project helps people visualize future sea level by observing the high tides of today. Come join us at this event open to members and volunteers to see one of the highest tides of the year. We will learn about climate change and how it affects our coastlines featuring two guest speakers, and also explore tide pools with Museum staff.
Morning Session
9-11a.m.
We will meet at the museum to then walk down together to Lover’s Point for photographing the high tides, where we are joining community scientists around the state in contributing photos to the California King Tide Project online. Then at 10 a.m., we meet back at the PG Museum education classroom to explore the art of interpreting climate change for diverse audiences with Jim Covel of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Breakfast snacks provided.
Afternoon Session
1-3 p.m.
Learn about the value of preserving our living coastlines with a representative of Elkhorn Slough Reserve in the museum education classroom, followed by a tide pooling session with Museum STREAM staff at Lovers Point.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Amazing Migrations Science Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for January’s Science Saturday, Amazing Migrations, as we investigate the world of long-distance animal travels. Whales, birds, insects, and more will be the focus of our deeper look at these natural phenomena. There will be activities and crafts for kids, and of course we will be celebrating another birthday for Sandy the Whale. Free.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Opening Reception – Magnificent Migrations: A Journey Through Central California
The California Art Club and Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History are proud to present “Magnificent Migrations: A Journey Through Central California”, on view from Jan. 18-April 14, 2019. This exhibition guides viewers through a painted journey of central California, highlighting the diverse ecosystems of this region, from Point Lobos and Pacific Grove to the High Sierras and between. Come join us for the opening reception on Friday, February 1, 2019, 5:00-7:00 p.m., and meet some of the talented artists!
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Watershed Guardians Teacher Training Workshop
Time TBD
Middle school and high school teachers are invited to participate this workshop. Watershed Guardians is a free program for students 6th through 12th grade. Students learn about steelhead trout and monitor the water quality in the watershed habitats they depend on to survive. The program includes a field trip where students will conduct water quality tests in the field. Curriculums will be provided for teachers to conduct follow up lessons that involve entering and analyzing data, further inquiry, and stewardship. Free.
Wednesdays, February 6-March 13
Volunteer Class and Orientation
6-8 p.m.
Volunteers make a difference at the Museum. Join the next cohort of volunteers at the Museum. Over this six-week volunteer training course you will learn about the natural history of the Central Coast, be trained on interpretation, and participate in meeting our mission: To inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. Whether you’re looking to be our next community scientist, want to teach fascinated adults and children alike of the wonder of monarch butterflies, or are looking to help in a bevy of other ways, you can submit an application to join our next cohort at pgmuseum.org/volunteer, or you can reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Michael Brothers, at (831) 648-5716 ext. 17 or brothers@pgmuseum.org
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Hardcore Natural History Series — “The Browns of California: The Family Dynasty That Transformed a State”
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Join the Museum as we sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Miriam Pawel to discuss her book, The Browns of California: The Family Dynasty That Transformed a State and Shaped a Nation. The book begins with Brown’s great-grandfather, Prussian immigrant August Schuckman, who crossed the Plains in 1852 and settled on a northern California ranch. Over a century later, Jerry Brown became the youngest governor in modern times — then returned three decades later as the oldest. Through the story of this political family, we will explore the history of California itself. Ticket prices are as follows. $5 members online, $10 non-members online, $15 at the door.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Animal Athletes Science Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm.
This highest jumping, fastest flying, strongest biting Science Saturday of the year focuses on the Olympians in the animal kingdom. From falcons to mountain lions, and beetles to beavers, every athlete has a story to tell. Join us for crafts, activities, and science as we sprint, jump, and dive into the world of Animal Athletes.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Member Event — Group Hike Through Big Creek Reserve
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Come explore the University of California Santa Cruz Natural Reserves that supports scientific research and hands-on training to university students in the ecological and environmental sciences, not normally open to the public without reservation!
Tour starts at 10 a.m. with docent Mark Readdie and involves a 4-hour, 3-mile loop hike on single-track footpaths with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. There are two narrow footbridge creek crossings. All guests should come prepared with a water container, food, layered clothing and the requisite personal gear for a rugged hike in steep terrain. Weather and temperatures can be changeable. All participants will be expected to stay together and enjoy various natural history stops incorporated into the tour. Come prepared to adhere to a leave-no-trace policy. Members to meet by 10 a.m. at 58801 Highway 1, Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve, Big Sur, CA 93920. Breakfast snacks included.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Night Owl Series presents “Hoot & Holler”
7-9:30 p.m.
This high-flying event features live owls hootin’, whiskey hoo-hoo cocktails, Alvarado Street Brewery craft beers, savory eats, live music, a “craft beer, beer craft,” plus a competition and prize to the best owl call of the night. Your proceeds to this fundraiser go towards funding our educational programs and supports our mission to inspire wonder, discovery, and stewardship of our natural world. Ticket prices include two food tickets, and one adult beverage ticket. Must be 21 and over. $29 members online, $39 non-members online, $49 at the door.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Hardcore Natural History Series: Unearthing the California Grizzly
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Explore the natural history of the now-extinct California grizzly with Dr. Alexis M. Mychajliw. Her current work includes researching bone fragments of grizzly bears and using the results to get an idea of their behavior, diet, and where they lived here in California — using the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History’s specimens as part of her research. Ticket prices are as follows: $5 members online, $10 non-members online, $15 at the door.
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Bees, Wasps, Honey, And Hives Science Saturday
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Explore the sweet-side of science as Science Saturday turns its attention to Bees, Wasps, Honey, and Hives. Do all bees make honey? How do you tell a wasp from a bee? Do all bees sting? Find the answers to all of your buzzing questions as you complete a craft, taste honey, and learn about some of our most important local pollinators. Free.
For more information on all events at the museum, call (831) 648-5716, email admin@pgmuseum.org or go to the website at www.pgmuseum.org.
About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
In 1883, our museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era, such as John Muir And Louis Aggasiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for 130 years. The museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages.
