About
Press Releases
The communications office of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin provides media with timely, accurate information about the Wildflower Center. Below are recent press releases related to Center events and to staff expertise on conservation practices, native plant gardening, nature education, and native plant resources and research findings. For more information or photos beyond those on the newsroom site, please contact:
| Communications Director Saralee Tiede 512.232.0104 stiede@wildflower.org |
Media Manager Barbra Rodriguez 512.232.0105 brodriguez@wildflower.org |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2011
EVENT: The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin opens its spring Nature Nights for families March 4 with an evening of star gazing. Tom Montemayor from the university’s McDonald Observatory talks in the Auditorium at 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. about the search for life on other planets. In the Auditorium foyer, enjoy using colored glasses to view wind patterns and other features on a special globe of the Earth. Several telescopes will be set up around the Courtyard for viewing after dark, led by experts from the Austin Astronomical Society, Capital Area Master Naturalists and Starry Sky Austin. If the skies are overcast, Amy Jackson from Starry Sky will talk about moon phases. Astronomy crafts for kids in the Visitors Gallery include creating a constellation with construction paper and a flashlight. All activities fulfill requirements for the astronomy Girl Scout Brownie patch. Admission for spring Nature Nights: $1, or free for members.
WHEN: Friday, March 4, 6 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue. Directions at: http://www.widlflower.org/visit
SCHEDULE FOR APRIL AND MAY NATURE NIGHTS:
- Wildflowers and Pollinators – Friday, April 1, 6 to 9 p.m.
Discover the world of plant pollination. By pretending to be pollinators in the Center’s gardens, children will learn the role insects and other creatures play in pollinating wildflowers. They can also make lollipop flowers and other crafts, and use a sponge and straw to collect “nectar” just as real pollinators do.
- Butterflies and Moths– Friday, May 20, 6 to 9 p.m.
Visit discovery tables to learn how butterflies and moths behave and what they eat. Create your own butterfly or moth mask and enjoy walks and talks in the Butterfly Garden led by Staff Gardener Samantha Elkinton and volunteer experts on these winged insects.
SPONSOR: Generously sponsored by KVUE. For more event details, go to: http://www.wildlfower.org/nature.
