ScienceWorks’ Evening Explorations

(Ashland, OR) April 29, 2003… ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum is continuing its Kirlin Evening Lecture Series in May. The evening lecture series offers an opportunity for adults to explore the museum as well as hear fascinating talks of scientific interests by regional experts.

The Kirlin Evening Lecture Series takes place on select Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m.  The first hour is for the lecture, the second hour is an opportunity for museum exploration, including getting hands-on with the over 80 interactive science exhibits.  Admission is free but donations are encouraged. The Kirlin Evening Lecture Series is open to adults and children over 12.

Starting out the May lectures is a discussion on Plant Diversity in the Klamath-Siskiyou Province on Friday, May 2 by John Roth, Natural Resource Chief of the Oregon Caves National Monument. Mr. Roth will discuss the ecological and evolutionary factors that have shaped the exceptional floristic diversity of the Klamath-Siskiyou Province.  Learn the role that climate, geological diversity and disturbance has had in shaping diversity, with a special emphasis on the floristic character of the upper Illinois Valley. 

On Friday, May 9, explore the timely topic of Road Removal and Watershed Restoration in Redwood National Park by Chris Heppe, Natural Resource Program Manager of Redwood National Park. Discover the challenges and successes of nearly 20 years of watershed restoration the Redwood Creek basin, home of the world’s tallest trees.  Heppe will outline strategies for removing abandoned logging roads as well as the lessons learned from ongoing efforts to develop public/private partnerships for watershed restoration in the basin.

 Finally, on Friday May 30, uncover the fascinating changes in our understanding of dinosaurs in From Scales to Feathers: Our Evolving View of the Dinosaur by Andy Kuzmitz, M.D. Dr. Kuzmitz will discuss the exciting developments in paleontology that have refined our understanding of the evolutionary linkages between dinosaurs and birds.  Kuzmitz relates the recent findings suggesting that dinosaurs were warm-blooded with sophisticated hearts and possibly capable of much higher metabolic activity than formerly believed.

ScienceWorks is open every Saturday from 10 to 4.  Located at 1500 East Main near Walker in Ashland, Oregon, the museum has ample parking and is conveniently situated a few minutes drive from downtown. Admission for Science Saturdays is $4 for adults, $3 for children 12 to 2, and children under 2 are free. For the latest information on events, directions, membership and sponsorship opportunities call 541/482-6767 or visit www.scienceworksmuseum.org.