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 Calendar of Events
APRIL—Biodiversity in Your Backyard
You might think only of rainforests and cloud-covered mountaintops when you think of biodiversity, but in fact, biodiversity can be found right in your own backyard or neighborhood.
Catch how Field Museum scientists are combing Illinois habitats to document and preserve the surprising variety of plants, fungi, and animals that survive in the remaining natural areas around Chicago.
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FEATURED SCIENTIST
 Paul Goldstein, Ph.D.
Zoology Department
Curator, Insects
Butterflies may be the most popular Lepidoptera species, but zoologist Paul Goldstein has an affinity for the other side of the family tree: moths, which account for 90 percent of the Lepidoptera superfamilies. Goldstein studies moths found in grass-dominated ecosystems like Illinois prairies and is working with other scientists to document the butterflies and moths associated exclusively with prairie ecosystems.
Goldstein searches for and describes unknown species of moths that live in the native bamboo stands or “canebrakes” in southern Illinois by sequencing their DNA and comparing physical features. New species of moths are discovered all the time, and Goldstein says this points out how little we know about the biodiversity in our own backyards.
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS
April 10
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Scientists at the Field: David Willard and Phil Parillo
Adult and Family Program
Free with Museum Admission
Stanley Field Hall
Join Dr. Willard, Collection Manager of Birds in the Dept. of Zoology, as he talks about his studies of the community structure and migration of birds.
For 25 years, Willard has created a large database of spring and fall migrants along Chicago’s lakefront. He and his colleagues use this data to study the patterns and timing of bird migration in the region.
Willard will draw from the Museum’s Bird Collections to show some of the birds that pass through Chicago, often stopping in your backyard to spend the summer or just refuel for their trips north and south.
In addition, Phil Parillo will share his work studying the diversity of ground beetles in his conservation efforts in the Chicago area.
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Lecture: “Biodiversity of Moths”
Featured Scientist Dr. Paul Goldstein
Adult and Family Program
Free with Museum Admission
Discover the beauty and diversity of moths, fluttering insects that make up 90 percent of the Lepidoptera family, shared by the well known, but far less numerous, butterflies.
Paul Goldstein, Assistant Curator of Insects, studies the evolution and ecology of moths and is working toward their conservation. He will show slides of his field trips and talk about insect biodiversity and the scientific importance of learning more about the relationships between caterpillars and their host plants.
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April 22-24
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
Green Chicago
Registration Required (312) 665-7400
This program highlights environmentally friendly options for businesses, institutions, homeowners and individuals. The weekend opens with a keynote address by a leading practitioner whose work over several decades has focused on incorporating green principles into design solutions. Friday’s Green Architecture Symposium is tailored for building industry professionals, as well as business and institutional leaders. Specialists will address the City’s proposed measures to stimulate green building, discuss financing of environmentally friendly construction, and show examples of best practices. Saturday’s fair will cover practical information for everyone: energy efficient appliances, safe cleaning products, urban landscaping techniques, non-toxic furniture, healthy homes and more. |
April 23
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
Green Chicago Program:
Green Architecture Symposium
Registration Required (312) 665-7400
Tailored for building industry professionals as well as business and institutional leaders, this multiple-session day offers an opportunity to hear the latest on environmentally friendly building practices in Chicago. Specialists will address the City's proposed measures to stimulate green building and discuss financing of environmentally friendly construction. Architects will spotlight green features of corporate, residential and institutional buildings. Other presenters include a commercial developer and a construction contractor committed to sustainable design. Learn how to become more eco-friendly and why it's good business.
Lecture Credits: 6 LU/HSW
Download the complete schedule in PDF format*.
* To download and print this schedule you will need Acrobat Reader.
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April 23
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Green Chicago Program:
Eco-friendly Homes Fair
Free with Museum Admission
Learn more about energy-efficient appliances, environmentally safe cleaning products, green landscaping techniques, and more.
Professionals will introduce the green efforts put forth by The Field Museum as well as practical information and tips about how to be more environmentally friendly in your own home or garden.
Lecture Credits: Use a Self Report Form
Download the complete schedule in PDF format*.
* To download and print this schedule you will need Acrobat Reader.
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Year-round
Thursday & Fridays
12:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
11:30 a.m
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Gallery Tour—All Things Living: Explore Biodiversity
All Ages
Free with Museum Admission
Explore fragile ecosystems as you learn about Field Museum scientist’s latest research.
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FEATURED EXHIBITION
 Underground Adventure
Shrink to the size of a bug and explore the world beneath your feet as you make your way through a larger-than-life soil ecosystem. You’ll find a world inhabited by extraordinary plants and fungi, thousands of microscopic mites and nematode worms, and a host of animatronic soil creatures—from an 11-foot-long crayfish to a giant earwig mother who fiercely guards her brood.
Visitors of all ages will gain a new understanding of the relationship of humans to the Earth’s soil and the challenges we face in using the land wisely.
Permanent Exhibition
Underground Adventure is made possible through the generosity of Monsanto, lead sponsor; The ConAgra Foundation; the National Science Foundation; and The Fort James Foundation. Other donors include the Chicago Park District, The Pfizer Foundation, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Prince Charitable Trusts, The ServiceMaster Company, Marion S. Searle/The Searle Family Trust and the Chicago Board of Trade Foundation, with additional funds from the Shell Oil Company Foundation, USX Foundation, and anonymous donors.
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RELATED LINKS
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Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits
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