Press

ALBANY, N.Y. - The New York State Museum will celebrate Earth Day 2000 on Saturday, April 22, with free family activities throughout the day that include recycled crafts, ecology projects and talks by biologists.

"As a museum filled with researchers who interpret the natural history of New York State and exhibitions focusing on the state's wildlife, land and history, the museum is the perfect place to educate the public about the environment," Director Cliff Siegfried said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Earth Day, which focuses attention on environmental issues throughout the world.

At the Museum, many Earth Day projects will incorporate the exhibitions that feature New York State's habitats. The Museum's own Discovery Squad, an afternoon program for teens, helped coordinate and will be leading some of the Earth Day festivities.

Some of the activities include:

• Biologist Dr. Dan Molloy will talk about his research involving zebra mussels. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Main Lobby.
• Biodiversity Research Institute specialists Ron Gill and Karen Frolich will talk about dragonflies. From 11 a.m. to noon near the Discovery Place.
• Peer through microscopes and learn what organisms can live in pond water.From noon to 3 p.m. at the Discovery Place.
• Make stationary and envelopes using old wallpaper. From 1 to 2 p.m. in the Student Center.
• Create bird feeders using peanut butter and pinecones. From 1 to 3 p.m. in the Student Center.
• Learn how birds eat. From 1 to 4 p.m. throughout the day in Bird Hall.

NYSM