Prairie Ridge expands it's reach to the public with new weekend hours, workshops, and community events
May 14, 2007
RALEIGH — The general public is invited to explore nature like never before at Prairie Ridge Ecostation for Wildlife and Learning, the outdoor field station of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. In addition to new weekend hours from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, visitors can also take advantage of two exciting events happening Saturday, May 12.
Nest Quest, a four-hour outdoor workshop that introduces you to local birds and their nesting behavior, will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants can then become a contributing scientist by reporting their observations to NestWatch, an associated online project developed by Cornell University's Laboratory of Ornithology. Pre-registration is required and participants must be at least 10 years old. The cost is $10 per family (up to five family members); call 919-733-7450, ext. 673 to register.
Also on May 12, visitors are invited to Prairie Ridge from 2–5 p.m. to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Attendees will learn how to use binoculars to improve their observations, see native plants that are used for food and shelter, meet Museum ornithologist and artist, Doug Pratt, who will be on hand to give tips for doing your own illustrations, and see the equipment, methods and purposes for banding birds. There will also be a craft activity and refreshments. This event is FREE, rain or shine, canceled only due to severe weather. Register by calling 919-733-7450, ext. 303 or via email at museum.reservations@ncmail.net.
On Saturday, June 2, roll up your sleeves for Eradication Extravaganza. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can help remove invasive exotic trees and shrubs. Register by calling 919-733-7450, ext. 525.
Located at 4301 Reedy Creek Road next to the National Guard armory in west Raleigh, Prairie Ridge's 38 acres consist of an outdoor classroom, amphitheater and walking trails with access to a variety of habitats, including prairie, pond and lowland forest. It was established by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for research and educational purposes and to promote respect for natural resources.
Because of the Museum's commitment to "green" technology, Prairie Ridge showcases an array of sustainable design strategies and conservation features, including a cistern that collects rainwater that comes off of the classroom's roof during storms. That rainwater is used to flush the toilets, which minimized the impact on local fresh water sources. The outdoor classroom was also designed with the environment in mind. Its heavy south-facing overhang maximizes sun exposure in the winter and shade in the summer.
In the near future, solar photovoltaic panels will be installed thanks to a grant from the State Energy Office of the N.C. Department of Administration. The installation of these panels will eliminate the use of fossil fuel-based energy at the site and allow the facility to generate its own power to the existing classroom and a planned residential center.
For more information on Prairie Ridge, go to http://naturalsciences.org/prairieridge/index.htm or contact Mary Ann Brittain at 919.733.7450, ext. 675.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 am to 5 pm, and Sun., noon to 5 pm. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the Web at naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
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