Everglades Artists participate in Everglades Forever Weekend at Museum of Discovery and Science

Date: October 25, 2013
Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700
Contact: Volunteer Program Kevin Bowles Mohr, 305-242-7752
Contact: Media Inquiries: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714

HOMESTEAD, Florida: Everglades National Park and participants in the Artist in Residence

(AIRIE) program will be part of the American ExpressEverglades Forever Celebration kickoffhosted by the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, FloridaNovember 2 and 3. A special exhibit of select AIRIE artwork will be part of this great weekend of activities. Artists and Park Rangers will be on hand for parts of the program to answer questions and explain the exhibit.

The project, developed by the Museum of Discovery and Science, aims to introduce visitors to the Greater Everglades --- from Everglades National Park to Big Cypress Preserve to the headwaters in the Kissimmee Basin --- in new, meaningful ways that will increase public engagement with this unique ecosystem and encourage appreciation and conservation.

The Everglades National Park Artist in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) program offers artists the opportunity to live and work in the park and experience its uniqueresources for a period of up to one month.  In a park known for its spectacular and diverse wildlife, the art and voices of AIRIE artists reveal unique, and often missed, dimensions of this special place. "We are thrilled to collaborate with the Museum of Discovery and Science in their continued efforts in educating the public on the Greater Everglades ecosystem," remarked Park Superintendent Dan Kimball. " I hope that this great event will inspire all those who visit the museum to get outdoors  and come experience the park in person!"

The project includes Everglades-themed experiences throughout the Museum (including its new 34,000 square foot EcoDiscovery Center), guest speakers, and activities that encourage the public to visit the Everglades and share their thoughts and discoveries with other Museum visitors and the wider public.  These include a treasure hunt that runs and photo contest that both run through January 1 2014 and encourage participants to get out into the Everglades. "We are pleased to be part of this great educational effort to expand the communities knowledge of these great natural and cultural resources", said Superintendent Kimball.

From noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, November 2, andSunday, November 3, 2013, Museum visitors can experience hands-on activities, interactive sessions and special presentations during the American Express Everglades Forever weekend celebration.an Express Everglades Forever Celebratiovember 2 and 3, 2013 -Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Artist in Residence in Everglades - DailySee the incredible works of art being created by artists in the AIRIE program who live and work in the Everglades that will be on display in the museum.

Research in the River of Grass - DailyFascinating research is taking place every day in the Everglades. Meet some of the scientists who are currently working on projects that may result in major medical discoveries or even the survival of species.

Everglades Lab Activities - Daily

·Invasive Tracers - Learn how valuable information is collected on Florida's numerous invasive species.

·Florida Panther Masks - Design a panther mask and learn what you can do to help the Florida panther survive.

·Everglades Collection - Check out the Museum's collection of Seminole/Everglades artifacts.

·The Water Cycle - Create a water cycle bag to see how water transforms the earth.

·Wood Stork Fishing - Wood storks have a very specialized way of catching their prey. See if you are as successful catching fish using wood stork techniques.

·Habitat Twister - Play Habitat Twister to see how well you would survive in the Everglades environment.

Large Predators of the Everglades presented by Dr. Michael HeithausSunday, November 3 at 2 p.m.
-Scientists from Florida International University will share how predators in the Everglades respond to changes in water flows and how they can fulfill their critical role in the food web.

-EVER-

Everglades National Park  - America's Everglades Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979, an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976, a Wetland of International Importance in 1987,
a Specially Protected Area under the Cartagena Treaty in 2012. 
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

 

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