Natural History

Climate change is hurting reproduction of the endangered Devils Hole pupfish, threatening the survival of this rare species that has numbered as few as 35 individuals, new research by the University of Nevada, Reno and Desert Research Institute shows.

Scientists report that geothermal water on a small shelf near the surface of an isolated cavern in the Nevada desert where the pupfish live is heating up as a result of climate change and is likely to continue heating to dangerous levels.

“Family Fun Saturdays” returns to the Nevada State Museum in Carson City with "Wild and Wonderful Wetlands” Saturday, Jan. 11.

From 10 a.m. to noon, guests will explore how American Indians used plants from the wetlands for food, medicine, and clothing in the museum’s Discovery Lab. The program also examines what kinds of birds and animals use wetlands for their homes.

For hands-on fun, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a 30-minute lab or art project, or both, in groups of eight.

The main mass of a rare meteorite observed in the skies over Carson City, Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe that exploded over California’s Sierra foothills in April 2012 will be preserved for current and future scientific discoveries, thanks to the collaborative efforts of five U.S. academic institutions.

Food For Thought would like to think all the people who came out and supported us at our Saddle Up For Kids Events. Friday, June 28th’s dinner at the Governor’s Mansion and Saturday, June 29th’s Carnival at Mills Park wouldn’t have been as successful if not for our volunteers!

Like most little boys, Ethan Spence was fascinated by dinosaurs. Living near the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, his curiosity was piqued.

From Mark Twain and Frank Sinatra to teamsters and tourism, the history of Lake Tahoe recorded in a new book by Michael J. Makley brings the region’s many dimensions to life. The noted local author is the featured speaker at the February Frances Humphrey lecture series from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, where he will explore the geology and natural history of Lake Tahoe and the people who shaped its history.

Alpenglow Sports has teamed up with Tahoe Cross Country to present the first-ever Lake Tahoe Nordic Festival Friday, February 8 through Sunday, February 10. All events are free, open to the public and take place at Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area in Tahoe City, California. A full schedule of events is available at www.tahoenordicfestival.com.

Behind the scene tours in Natural History will be presented by George Baumgardner, PhD, featuring "Plants and Animals of Nevada" from 10:00am and 1:30pm. Dec. 28 at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson Street. (775) 687-4810 x237.

A behind the scenes tour in natural history will be presented by George Baumardner, PhD, featuring a discussion on Plants and Animals of Nevada. For reservations call 775 687-4810 x 237. 10:00 & 1:30pm. Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson Street.

Families are invited to explore “Beastly Encounters” at a special Nevada State Museum program from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 in Carson City. The activity continues the museum’s Family Fun Saturdays series. Children will explore how learning to observe animal signs, tracks and scat can help identify which animals have been in an area and how clues can tell about animal behavior too.

Dr. George Baumgardner, curator of Natural History, will take visitors “behind the scenes” of Nevada’s plants, animals, specimens and other natural history collections on June 29 at the Nevada State Museum, 600 North Carson Street. What’s so special about these artifacts is that they are not normally on display and encourages visitors to become familiar with these rare collections. A sneak peak of the new Discovery Lab and other future developments of the natural history exhibit are also included during the tour.

Zeb Hogan swims with the fishes and lives to write about it. In the March 2011 issue of National Geographic, the University of Nevada, Reno researcher and assistant professor is pictured swimming with a man-eating catfish and describes swimming underwater with a 400-pound Mekong giant catfish in one of his many adventures in the rivers of a dozen countries around the world.

By the California Department of Fish and Game
Southern sea otters recently passed two grim milestones, report wildlife officials, demonstrating that the threatened marine mammal is not faring well in California waters.

According to a preliminary summary, 2010 broke the record for the number of southern sea otter carcasses recovered in one year, with a total of 304.

Join Dr. George Baumgardner, Curator of Natural History at the Nevada State Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the museum collection that isn't on display.

Join Dr. George Baumgardner, Curator of Natural History for the Nevada State Museum, for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the museums treasures that are not on display.

Mar. 26, 2010, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Behind-the-scenes tour in Natural History at the Nevada State Museum