Lectures, Field Trips and Workshops for Adults

Unlocking the Mysteries of Tyrannosaur Teeth (lecture)

Lecturer: Dr. William Abler, Research Associate, Department of Geology, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago
Thursday, April 10
7 - 8:15 p.m.
$2 members/students ($4 non-members)

The serrated teeth of the tyrannosaurs are the most dramatic, and the most misunderstood of fossils. Yet they are the most rich in information. Controlled experiments show that the serrations had three functions: cutting meat, planting infections in prey animals, and protecting the tooth against breaking. The tooth itself was mostly a peg for gripping food, changing the way we picture the Tyrannosaurs eating. Even our idea of their appearance has to be revised. Dr. Abler exhibits fossils and experimental instruments used in his research.

Dr. Abler studied honeybees and dinosaurs as a model for human evolution. His most recent book is “Structure of Matter, Structure of Mind” (2005). Dr. Abler lives in Arcata with his family.

Sparrow Workshop

Instructor: Ken Burton
Friday, April 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. and
Saturday, April 12 from 8 to 11 a.m.
$30 members/students ($35 non-members) Transportation provided. (Limited to 12)

Do you despair of ever being able to identify those LBJs (Little Brown Jobs)? Do you wonder where they go in the spring? This workshop addresses these subjects and more. By the end, you’ll know what sparrows to expect, when, and where plus be able to tell them apart by sight and sound - or your money back! Well, not really, but we do guarantee you’ll leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of these birds that liven up our backyards. We’ll meet at the museum Friday evening for an introduction using specimens, then reconvene Saturday morning for a field trip to see and hear sparrows in the wild.
Ken Burton is an internationally-recognized bird-banding authority and recently launched a sparrow-banding project here in Humboldt County. He has over 20 years of birding and teaching experience.

Bee-Awareness Fundraiser

The Buzz on Bees Lecture Series and Plant Sale
Saturday, April 26 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1425 J St., Arcata

Get the “Buzz on Bees” at a special lecture series and plant sale hosted by Friends of the Natural History Museum. Speakers for the event include:
*Dr. Eric Mussen, an award-winning apiculturist and the California State expert on bees from the Department of Entomology at UC Davis, presents “Who Needs Bees? The Value of Honey Bees in Agriculture and Home Gardens”
*Dr. Michael Mesler, a botanist at the Department of Biological Sciences at Humboldt State University and an expert on native bees, gives a lecture called “The Buzz on Native Bees” (See bee trip below.)
*Dick LaForge, a member of the Humboldt Beekeeper’s Association and an instructor in beekeeping, covers “Beekeeping Basics” in his lecture.

The event kicks off at noon on the 26th at the Veteran’s Memorial Building with a “Bee Friendly” plant and book sale outside the lecture hall. Lectures run throughout the afternoon.

Tickets for the event are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 826-4479 using a credit card or in person at the Museum.

Spring Wildflowers with The Rohdes (North of the Bay)

Leaders: Jerry and Gisela Rohde
Sunday, May 4
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
$45 members/students ($50 non-members)
Transportation provided (Trip limited to 12) (Meet at Museum)

(This trip was relocated after finding out that the road through Avenue of the Giants would be closed on May 4. Sorry for the inconvienence.)

Join guidebook authors Gisela and Jerry Rohde for a day's worth of wildflower watching north of Humboldt Bay! We'll visit the Azalea State Reserve above Big Lagoon, Redwood National Park's Elk Meadow, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Each spot is filled with its own set of flora, which springs forth in spring colors and exuberance. Roosevelt elk will probably put in an appearance, and we may even see a beaver dam! Bring a sack lunch, drink, windbreaker, sturdy hiking shoes, and, if you like, a walking stick. Plan on ambling up to three miles on nearly level park trails. Don't miss this chance to see old plant friends and make some new.
Bring a sack lunch, beverage, walking stick, and jacket. Take a camera if you want to make the excursion picture perfect.

How to Identify Mammal Skulls

Instructor: Dr. Karen Reiss, Ph.D., Associate Professor at College of the Redwoods
Saturday, May 31 2 - 5 p.m.
$25 members/students ($30 non-members)
Limited to 10 participants.

Have you ever found a skull, skull fragment, or tooth out in the wild? Are they sitting around collecting dust on your bookcases? In this hands-on workshop you will learn how to identify the most common local species. We’ll start with a review of the major groups and most common species of north coast mammals. Then we’ll learn some basic skull and tooth anatomy, and the skull features that typify each major group. Finally, we’ll learn how to use a dichotomous key to identify unknowns. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll be a pro!
Be sure to bring those dusty bits from home!

Native Bee Field Trip to Horse Mountain

Leader: Mike Mesler, HSU Biology
Saturday, June 21
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ages 14 to Adult (minors must be accompanied by adult)
$30 members ($35 non-mem.)
Transportation provided. (Limited to 12)

Mike has been studying the bees on Horse Mountain for 10 years. He invites you to join him on this trip and observe nesting behavior, learn bee identification tips and find out about bee habitat requirements. The flora should be impressive as are the views. Bring insect nets, water, lunch and a maybe a camera. There won’t be a lot of hiking, but seeing the bees will take some climbing around on slopes.

Registration: Click here for program registration information.