Free events at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, at 11 West Jones Street in Raleigh, always offers free admission, but you might not be aware of the free events, beyond the exhibits, that it offers. You can view all their events here. Some are free and some have fees associated with them. Here are a few upcoming free events. Make sure to check the location. Also, click on the links for more details, including age ranges and registration information.

Free events at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

NATURE PLAY DAYS
Tuesdays
10:00am – 12:00pm
Prairie Ridge
Come out and play! The Nature PlaySpace will be stocked with extra special materials and supplies and a Museum play facilitator will be present to help you play your way. Supplies may vary from week to week, but include fun things like fort-building equipment, puppets and costumes, bubbles, paint, giant blocks, and more.

This is an informal, drop in event. Staff and supplies will be available from 10:00-12:00. Come dressed for the weather and ready to get messy! Everyone is welcome at the Nature PlaySpace, but it has been designed especially for kids 7 and younger.

SCIENCE CAFE: SAVING THE PUERTO RICAN PARROT
Thursday, September 21, 2017
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Downtown Raleigh
Dr. Jaime Collazo

The Puerto Rican Parrot is an important symbol of beauty, culture and inspiration in Puerto Rican society, yet there are fewer than 100 in the wild. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, this Science Cafe will address the rigorous breeding program and efforts to save Puerto Rican Parrots, and how this program can serve as a template for the recovery of other endangered species.

TAKE A CHILD OUTSIDE GUIDED HIKE
Monday, September 25, 2017
10:30am – 11:30am
Prairie Ridge
Join a Museum naturalist for a guided hike of Prairie Ridge’s TRACK Trail. The half-mile trail visits the various habitats of Prairie Ridge, including the pond. This hike is specifically for adults with children under the age of 5. Due to the nature of the trail, we recommend hiking strollers or carriers for any children who will need a ride. After the hike, you’re welcome to play in the Nature PlaySpace or enjoy a picnic. Come dressed to play and explore! Registration is not required.

For more information, contact Beth Cranford at beth.cranford@naturalsciences.org. In case of inclement weather, call the Prairie Ridge weather line at 919.707.8888, option 5, for information about possible cancellations.

SCIENCE CAFE: CRISPR AND THE ETHICS OF EDITING GENES
Thursday, September 28, 2017
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Downtown Raleigh
fragment of human DNA molecule, 3d illustration isolated on whit

What if it were possible to genetically alter wild populations of “pest” animals so that they were either eliminated or unable to threaten rare and endangered species, transmit disease, or damage crops? Such new “gene drive” technologies may be possible to create with CRISPR and other advanced gene-editing tools. The speakers for this Café are part of an interdisciplinary project exploring potential genetic approaches to eliminating invasive mice from islands where they present a major biodiversity threat through their impacts on native flora and fauna. Their work raises questions that extend well beyond the strict technical hurdles to ecological, ethical and governance challenges.