PHILADELPHIA, April 2, 2021

Celebrate Earth Day, life and the natural systems that support our world with an April of stimulating science programs and conservation conversations presented by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. 

Get inspired to take action to make the world a better place. Meet Academy scientists and local sustainability experts to talk about how to get involved at home and afar. Focus on the future with solutions-based tips and talking points presented by Academy educators. Explore the stories of rare Academy specimens and take part in hands-on activities at home. Find out how small actions spark big changes! 

More information about the following programs is available at ansp.org. 

A River Reborn 

Thursday, April 8, 7-8:15 p.m. On Zoom 

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, in partnership with PennEnvironment, presents the world premiere of the documentary A River Reborn (2021). Too often we are inundated with lessons on how humanity has failed the environment. But there are success stories out there, and this film showcases one of them. A River Reborn demonstrates the opportunities that can arise as we work to reverse past failures of stewardship — a lesson to recall while we, as a global society, fight to mitigate the effects and acceleration of climate change. Following a live virtual viewing of the 30-minute film, there will be a live discussion featuring the film’s director/producer and environmental experts. Zoom information will be given upon ticket purchase. To register for this Zoom event, visit ansp.org. 

ANS Travelogues: Connecting Dam Building in Brazil to Climate Change 

Wednesday, April 14, 7-8:00 p.m. On Zoom 

Explore the unique and delicate ecosystem of the Brazilian Amazon with Mark Sabaj, PhD, collection manager of fishes and acting director of the Center for Systematic Biology & Evolution at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Sabaj will share findings from his fieldwork in Brazil about the impacts of dam building on tropical rivers. Impacts include the disruption of natural flood cycles, destruction of habitats for rapids-loving fishes, and creation of reservoirs that become sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Gain expert insight into the extraordinary biodiversity of the Amazon while celebrating Drexel’s Climate Year, which highlights cutting-edge efforts at the University and Academy to combat the challenges of climate change. Organized by Drexel Alumni. To register for this Zoom event, visit ansp.org. 

Live from the Academy: Climate Change Creature Feature 

Monday to Sunday, April 19-25, 1 p.m. On Facebook Live 

Meet live animal ambassadors from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University to discover how their wild relatives are making do in a world that is rapidly changing. Each day will focus on a new topic, from invasive species to creating backyard habitats and will explore how animals of all stripes that are affected by climate change. For more details on this Facebook Live event, visit ansp.org.

Collecting Evidence: Specimens and Artifacts That Demonstrate Climate Change 

Monday, April 19, 3-4 p.m. On Zoom 

Check out rarely displayed artifacts from the Academy of Natural Sciences, Penn Museum and Mütter Museum that all show, in different ways, how the world has changed, how we know that it has, and how we can all be better citizens. Museums in Philadelphia comprise literally millions of specimens, artifacts and documents in their diverse and important collections. How do scientists and researchers use these collections to demonstrate a changing world? From skulls to diaries to snails, every museum object helps tell the story. To register for this Zoom event, visit ansp.org. 

Paleo Playdate April 21: Love the Earth 

Wednesday, April 21, 10-10:45 a.m. On Zoom 

Have some fun with Academy experts and other young natural history fans for a very special Earth Day science story time and activity with room to move and explore. Ages 3-6. Paleo Playdates were developed for preschoolers and their families to enjoy together. As this workshop is delivered virtually, hands-on activities are designed to be done at home with easy-to-find supplies. For details and registration, visit ansp.org. Registration ends April 19. 

Shaker of Science: What’s Bugging the Planet? 

Thursday, April 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. On Zoom 

What can a single dead bug tell you about climate change? Not much. But when you put the 4 million specimens in the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Entomology Collection together, a story of climate change begins to emerge as you identify and organize them. Grab a drink and enjoy the virtual happy hour A Shaker of Science on Zoom to hear the story from the Academy’s entomologists. Pay what you wish. To register, visit ansp.org. 

Naturally Awesome Days: Earth Day Celebration 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 23, 24 and 25. All day in the museum 

Visit the Academy of Natural Sciences and enjoy a themed family-led activity and take home a craft kit. Pick up an activity mini-guide when you enter, and then explore the museum at your own pace. Investigate Earth and water and learn ways to conserve resources to help the habitats found in the dioramas. Take home a craft kit to make a useful item out of recycled materials and have an environmental adventure with the whole family. Free with admission; advance timed tickets  recommended. For tickets, visit ansp.org. 

Ask the Scientists: Taking Action for the Earth 

Saturday, April 24, 10-10:30 a.m. On Zoom 

Join scientists of the Academy of Natural Sciences as we discuss how you can take action for the earth and what impacts you can have. Climate change is impacting the earth on every front. The health and quality of the water we drink, air we breathe and ground we live on are at increasing risk. However, all is not lost. The Academy and other groups are monitoring these vital resources and asking how we can make a positive difference. Climate change is a big problem, but we can solve it together! For more information and to register, visit ansp.org. 

Celebrate the Earth Family Workshop 

Saturday, April 24, 1-1:45 p.m. On Zoom 

Join early childhood educators as we explore fun and creative ways to celebrate the earth from your very own home. Meet some decomposers from the animal collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences and try out some fun activities and match them to books you can read at home. All materials for this workshop will be easily found in your kitchen, recycling bins and backyard. For more information and to register, visit ansp.org. 

Science in the Wild: Creek Exploration Family Field Trip 

Sunday, April 25, 9-11 a.m. In the field 

Now is your chance to get your feet wet, literally, to help scientists at the Academy of Natural Sciences gather critical data about our waterways, including the invertebrates that rely on them. Join Academy staff for an exclusive outdoor opportunity to try some guided community science at Kirkwood Preserve. Test the waters and identify the species that live there as you learn about the ecology, equipment and methodology that scientists use to explore and understand creek systems. Meet Academy watershed scientist Stefanie Kroll, PhD, and find out what her lab is doing to make the world a better place. For more information and to register, visit ansp.org. 

Cheryl Beth Silverman Memorial Lecture featuring David Mizejewski 

Tuesday, April 27, 6-7:30 p.m. On Zoom 

The 2021 Cheryl Beth Silverman Memorial Lecture at the Academy of Natural Sciences features David Mizejewski, naturalist and television host with the National Wildlife Federation. With the recent expansion and reissue of his award-winning book Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife, Mizejewski will explore how to use gardening to bring wildlife to your space. Mizejewski has appeared on NBC’s Today, Conan, The Wendy Williams Show and other programs and movies. Following the talk, participants can ask questions. To register, visit ansp.org. 

Paleo Playdate April 28 

Wednesday, April 28, 10-10:45 a.m. On Zoom 

Have some fun with Academy experts and other young natural history fans for a very special Earth Day science story time and activity with room to move and explore. Ages 3-6. Paleo Playdates were developed for preschoolers and their families to enjoy together. As this workshop is delivered virtually, hands-on activities are designed to be done at home with easy-to-find supplies. For details and registration, visit ansp.org. Registration ends April 19. 

Spark Change: Plant a Pollinator Garden 

Thursday, April 29, 4-5 p.m. On Zoom 

Whether you tend to a patio garden of container plants or plan to grow a meadow, you can help pollinators by providing the right plants to feed and protect these important animals. Join Academy of Natural Sciences’ scientists and local experts to learn more. Commit to planting for pollinators this spring, and the Academy will send you a free packet of Showy Northeast Native Wildflower and Grass Mix from Ernst Seeds. To register, visit ansp.org. 

Small Actions for Kids: Plant for Pollinators 

Saturday, May 1, 10-11 a.m. On Zoom 

Pollinators including bees and butterflies are an important part of our community. Join the Academy of Natural Sciences for a story time to explore these wonderful creatures and learn what you can plant to help protect them. This event is developed for children and their families, but all are welcome to make positive changes for a healthier planet. Commit to planting for pollinators this spring, and the Academy will send you a free packet of Showy Northeast Native Wildflower and Grass Mix from Ernst Seeds.To register, visit ansp.org. 

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News media contact: 
Carolyn Belardo, Director of Public Relations, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University  
215-299-1043, belardo@ansp.org, | Twitter @AcadNatSciPR | Press Room: www.ansp.org/press 

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a leading natural history museum dedicated to informing and building a movement of environmentally engaged communities for a healthy, sustainable and equitable planet. 

HOURS: Fridays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The first hour of each day is reserved for members. ADMISSION: $18 and up; for online tickets visit ansp.org. PHONE: 215-299-1000 

THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY 1900 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PKWY PHILADELPHIA 19103