Press Release
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Embraces Earth Day with
Environmentally Friendly Programming and Conservation Upgrades
ATLANTA—March 26, 2008—As Earth Day approaches on April 22, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is celebrating its contribution toward sustaining our planet through environmentally friendly education, programming and upgrades within the museum.
Fernbank has long embraced the responsibility of inspiring an appreciation for the planet. Over the years, the Museum has greatly expanded its environmental programming—offering outreach classes at schools, providing the City Scientists after-school program for select students of Atlanta Public Schools, engaging middle and high school classes in native plant restoration through Urban Watch Atlanta, and offering museum exhibitions and films that reveal the importance of respecting the environment and the Earth’s diverse ecosystems.
To coincide with World Water Day (March 22) and Earth Day, Fernbank Museum of Natural History recently premiered Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk in the IMAX® Theatre, offering an opportunity for audiences to embark on an exhilarating rafting adventure down the Colorado River with a team of explorers who are committed to bringing awareness to global water issues. The film examines the effects of drought on the Colorado River and highlights ways we can all do our part to conserve water.
As a testament to Earth Day, a portion of the box office sales for Grand Canyon Adventure on April 22 will be donated to building much-needed wells in Africa through a commitment by the film’s producer, MacGillivray Freeman Films.
Additionally, the message of conservation has been elevated through the support of one of the film’s sponsors, Kohler. As a result of a donation by Kohler, Fernbank Museum of Natural History will install all new bathroom fixtures, which use 50% to 75% less water than traditional urinals, toilets and faucets, amounting to a projected savings of more than one million gallons of water each year—something that has drawn praise from Fernbank’s Chief Operating Officer, Aneli Nugteren, during this time of drought.
“It’s important that Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a good role model for the community, not only through our programming but also through our own actions,” Nugteren said. “Every little bit helps, whether it’s carpooling or installing a low-flow toilet, and that’s the message we’re trying to get out to our patrons.”
Another way Fernbank Museum of Natural History is leading by example is through an upgrade to its existing recycling program—adding more collection receptacles and more clearly identifying them to encourage better recycling from both staff and patrons.
“Recycling is an easy way for everyone to make a difference,” said Heather Heimmer, Fernbank’s Director of Environmental Education. “In fact, recycling isn’t just limited to traditional methods. We’re involving our preschool visitors through our Weekend Wonders program during the month of April, using recycled products in our craft activities in recognition of Earth Day.”
To Fernbank Museum of Natural History, conservation is not a new idea. In fact, Fernbank was first realized by Emily Harrison, a child living in the Druid Hills area in 1800s who played in the woodlands surrounding her home. Captivated by the area’s natural beauty, she dreamed of one day building a school in the woods for nature study. She named the area Fernbank, in appreciation for the variety of ferns that grew along the creek banks. She led a group of “conservation-minded citizens” to create Fernbank, Inc. in 1938 and through a concerted effort, they preserved and protected the 65 acres of Piedmont woodlands that are today Fernbank Forest. With Harrison’s vision, Fernbank Museum of Natural History celebrated its grand opening in 1992, bringing Emily Harrison’s dream full circle. Today the Museum continues this legacy of this group of conservation-minded citizens by inspiring similar actions through its visitors.
Other noteworthy environmental programs:
- Native Plant Workshop—March 30
- Rain Barrels and Worm-Composting Workshop—April 5
- Fernbank Forest® Night Walk—April 18
- Regions of Georgia Excursion: Okefenokee Swamp—May 2-4
- Regions of Georgia Excursion: Vogel State Park and Sosebee Cove—May 17
- Keeping a Nature Journal Workshop—June 8
- Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins special exhibition showcasing the animals, environments and effects of global warming on the Polar Regions—June 14, 2008-January 2, 2009
- Fernbank Forest® Family Walk—June 28
- Reptile Day—July 26
- Regions of Georgia Excursion: Davidson-Arabia Mountain—September 10
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Digital images are available by request.
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