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ALBANY, NY – Scientists, nature lovers, conservationists and Smoky the Bear will lead visitors in free hands-on activities during an Earth Day celebration at the State Museum on Friday, April 21st .

The daylong event, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will also feature singer Bill Cliff who will present his Earth friendly stories and songs. Cliff, a world traveler, has been a singer and songwriter for 30 years and has performed in schools, libraries, and museums all over eastern NY.

Jane Murawski, River Otter educator with the Hudson River Otter Watch, will present a slide show and recruit volunteers interested in reporting Otter sightings. Master Gardeners Victoria Shipp and Eileen Magenis from Cornell Cooperative Extension will demonstrate how to set up a basic terrarium to observe the growth of seeds and tell the story of the earthworm, its life cycle and the multiple benefits it brings to the environment.

State Museum Archaeology Collections Manager Andrea Lain, and Archaeology Collections Technician Ralph Rataul, will provide information on the state’s history using items from the Museum’s archaeology collection. A model of the Clearwater vessel from the Clearwater Educational Center will be on view and Pat Peebles, president of the North River Friends of the Clearwater, will present slides that tell the story of her organization.

Jason Novak, Estuary educator with the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) River Estuary Program, will have a model of a giant Sturgeon and explain why the fish is endangered and also display objects combed from the Hudson River shoreline. Maggie DeBona of Siena College will use hands-on objects, maps, and photographs as she explores the farm and life of a nineteenth century Albany County family in the Museum’s exhibition Preserving Family History: The Heritage of an Albany County family.

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Further information about Museum programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877. The New York State Museum, established in 1836, is a program of the New York State Department of Education. Located at the Empire State Plaza on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New

Year's Day. Admission is free and the Museum is fully accessible. Additional information on the Museum is available on the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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EDITORS NOTE: A schedule of additional Earth Day activities is attached