Celebrate 'NaturePalooza' at Morrill Hall Nov. 6

            The University of Nebraska State Museum and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources will host "NaturePalooza Nebraska" from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets on the UNL City Campus.

            "NaturePalooza Nebraska" provides a day of discovery and hands-on activities throughout the museum with stations staffed by the school's faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. Activities and games will help visitors better understand Nebraska's rich natural resources and ways to help protect them.

            Scientists from various groups within the school will provide interactive stations that explain the science behind Nebraska's water, weather and wildlife. Topics covered will include birds, fish, plants, geography, conservation, climate change and more. Make nature journals with wildlife tracks. Take a photo with "Pebbles," a larger-than-life piping plover. Identify different kinds of fish and learn what they eat. See live snakes. Learn about "alien invaders" in Nebraska -- the invasive species that threaten natives -- and how we can prevent their spread. Investigate ground and surface water movements. Play games using a real-time weather station and test your knowledge about drought. Explore how geographers use mapping technology to understand Nebraska's climate. Scavenger hunts, giveaways and more will round out the event.

            On this day only, Mueller Planetarium will present the fulldome shows "Enchanted Reef" at 2 p.m. and "Light Years from Andromeda" at 3 p.m.

            Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is celebrating its 140th anniversary with special promotions and educational events throughout the year. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays; and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Regular museum admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. Parking is free. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Planetarium tickets are sold at the museum's front gate the day of the show.

            For further information, telephone the museum at 402-472-2642 or visit www.museum.unl.edu. For more information on Mueller Planetarium, visit www.spacelaser.com.

Writer: Dana Ludvik