Public invited July 2 to Preview PG Museum’s New Exhibit ‘Changes,’ Meet New Executive Director

  Facing perhaps its most profound set of challenges since it opened in 1883, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History couldn’t help but experience changes during this past year. 

Pacific Grove, CA, June 14, 2021 — Facing perhaps its most profound set of challenges since it opened in 1883, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History couldn’t help but experience changes during this past year. Change is a natural process in life — also seen over time in the very ecosystems the museum celebrates.

On Friday, July 2, the general public is invited to the aptly named Changes of Monterey exhibit, and meet the museum’s new Executive Director Carla Bitter. Despite being closed for much of 2020, the museum designed and launched “Changes,” which celebrates the habitats of Monterey County and raises awareness about human impacts on our delicate ecosystems over time. The exhibit shows that humans have the ability to make choices that will lead to positive changes in our local environment. It will be a day of wonder from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with special evening activities during Pacific Grove’s First Friday celebrations from 6-9 p.m. 

Bitter’s 20-year professional museum career has spanned field archaeology, science museums and zoo programs, outreach and exhibit development, with a career highlight as the EPO Manager (Education & Public Outreach) for NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander Mission. 

Hired at PGMNH in April, Bitter has helped develop and led an array of science and museum experiences, with positions at the Museum of Flight, Woodland Park Zoo, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C.), and the NSF Science & Technology Center, devoted to arid land and riparian hydrology at the University of Arizona. Bitter has served on multiple NASA, NOAA and IMLS (Institution of Museum and Library Services) review panels in support of climate, earth and space science public education. A biologist with an MS in molecular genetics/conservation ecology, Bitter places great emphasis on public science communication of complex topics through education programs, exhibits and community outreach. 

Currently open Friday through Monday (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) with Thursday being added on July 1st. Following CA guidelines, we will be open to full capacity by June 15 and masks will still be required. In addition, The museum will remain open on Independence Day, Sunday, July 4, with regular hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

In 1883, our museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era, such as John Muir and Louis Aggasiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for over 130 years. The museum's mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org

PG Museum’s Hardcore Natural History Series takes a Closer Look at the Endangered Monarch Butterfly

In the 1980s, more than 4 million monarch butterflies wintered in forested groves along the California coast.

Pacific Grove, CA, August 31, 2020 — In the 1980s, more than 4 million monarch butterflies wintered in forested groves along the California coast. Today that figure stands at less than 30,000, according to recent scientific tallies.

Monarchs in California have been in decline due to loss of habitat, including destruction of their overwintering sites and loss of both milkweed for caterpillars and flowering resources to fuel migration.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History takes great interest in these famous orange-and-black insects. As part of its Hardcore Natural History series, it will host three upcoming programs devoted to better understanding monarchs, now under government consideration for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Led by renowned experts in the field, these virtual programs take place on Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 12. Cost is $5 for museum members and $10 for non-members. Those interested may register and purchase tickets here, although to participate they must be registered by 5 p.m. on the day of each event.

Following is an outline of the series:

Planting for Monarchs with Emma Pelton

Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.

Join us as we speak to Emma Pelton, a senior conservation biologist at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Peloton leads western monarch conservation efforts — including developing best management practices for monarch habitat. She will teach participants what to keep in mind when planting for monarchs, especially around overwintering sites. She is particularly interested in overwintering site protection and restoration in California, and partners with many land managers and community scientists to improve management in these critical habitats. Pelton also serves on the Monarch Joint Venture advisory committee and the AZA SAFE Monarch steering committee.

The Price of Pesticides with Sarah Hoyle

Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of recent research on pesticide contamination of milkweed in California's Central Valley. This program will be led by Sarah Hoyle, a researcher for the Xerces Society, who joined scientists from University of Nevada, Reno, in sampling milkweed plants from various landscapes in the Central Valley, analyzing them for pesticide residues. They found widespread contamination of milkweed at levels that could harm monarch caterpillars. Hoyle will review the research and its implications for monarch conservation.

Small But Mighty: Monarch Butterfly Migration and Overwintering with Jessica Griffiths

Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Every fall, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to Monterey County from all across the western United States to spend the winter clustering together at special overwintering sites. But how do they get here? And why do they spend the winter in certain groves of trees, but not others? How do researchers know where the monarchs come from, or how many there are? Join Jessica Griffiths as she shares what we know and don't know about monarch migration and overwintering, and how we can help protect this magnificent butterfly and its habitat in Monterey County. Griffiths has worked with monarchs on the Central Coast for almost 20 years, in both Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. Over the years, she has trained hundreds of volunteers — including those from PGMNH — on how to count monarch butterflies, and she is currently the SLO County coordinator for the annual Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count.

For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org

From Yoga and Workshops to Hands-on activities, PG Museum of Natural History Plans busy 2020

As a vital community and educational hub, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans varied and engaging events and activities to help inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship.

Pacific Grove, CA, December 23, 2019 - As a vital community and educational hub, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans varied and engaging events and activities to help inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship.

This mission reshapes the typical museum experience, while creating a busy calendar to pique anyone’s interest.

The following schedule represents the first quarter for 2020:

What: California Native Plant Society Meeting
When: Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Kanyon Sayers-Roods, Ohlone and Chumash educator, artist and storyteller from Indian Canyon, will share botanical teachings from the Indigenous community and perspectives on sustainable harvesting. She will also discuss tensions between colonial and Indigenous practices, and issues of access to traditional land use and land acknowledgement. The Costanoan Ohlone-Mutsun California Native is active in the native community as an artist, author, activist, student and teacher. The daughter of Ann-Marie Sayers, she was raised in Indian Canyon, trust land of her family, one of the few spaces in Central California available for the Indigenous community for ceremony. Her art has been featured at the De Young Museum, and she is a consultant on Indigenous California. She recently formed an LLC called Kanyon Konsulting with the mission of bridging the gap between indigenous and contemporary value systems. All are welcome to these free presentations held on the second Thursday of every other month.

What: Member Event: Yoga at the Museum!
When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 8-9:30 a.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Bring your mats and enjoy a yoga session inspired by the museum’s connections to the natural world. Rise and shine with Union Yoga instructor Marybeth Murray, who teaches an alignment based Vinyasa yoga, and is focused on helping to build strength, create openings, and connect to the body through safe, fun and creative movements. Finish with some wellness refreshments. Suitable for all experience levels. Members are encouraged to bring their own mat (limited mat supply available). Not a member yet? Join here: pgmuseum.org/membership. RSVP to brooker@pgmuseum.org.

What: LiMPETS Rocky Intertidal Teacher Workshop
When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

LiMPETS (long-term monitoring program and experiential training for students) is a community science program, and this workshop is open to high school and college teachers who want to participate in LiMPETS with their classes. Contact Hannah Sarver, LiMPETS program coordinator, at (831) 648-5716 ext.11 or sarver@pgmuseum.org for registration and questions.

What: Hardcore Natural History Series — Masters of None: Why Being a Generalist is Advantageous in Changing Oceans
When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Humpback whale populations have increased strongly in the Eastern North Pacific (and Monterey Bay) since the end of commercial whaling. This rebound in numbers is due in large part to their generalist foraging strategies. Join us as we explore the versatile foraging habits of humpback whales with Dr. David Cade. We will explore how whales can not only switch prey types — with whales in different environments feeding on many species of krill as well as anchovies, herring, sand lance, capelin and other forage fish — but can capture these different prey in a variety of ways that continue to surprise researchers. $5 members online • $10 non-members online • $15 at the door

What: Junior Naturalist — The Snowy Plover
When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Monterey State Beach

Join us as state parks representative Dave Dixon guides us through the coastal dune ecosystem and reveals the hidden world of the federally threatened snowy plover. Come learn about the important role these birds play in our local ecosystems and how we can help preserve this incredible species for the future.

What: Natalie Arnoldi Show Opening
When: Thursday, Jan. 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The museum is proud to host the work of artist Natalie Arnoldi's (b. 1990, California) in a special exhibition, “The Depths of Monterey Bay.” Her large-scale oil paintings explore the fine line between abstract and figurative painting and the psychological effects of ambiguous representation. Her work often includes an environmental narrative, as this show will focus on the fantastic ocean creatures that spend time off our shores.

Currently pursuing a PhD at Hopkins Marine Station, Arnoldi has pursued careers in both art and science for the past decade. She has found a synergy in painting and science: two endeavors that might appear counterintuitive. Instead, each has given her a unique and enriched perspective into the other. Arnoldi's work will show at the museum between January 23 and April 26, in conjunction with a Hardcore Natural History devoted to Monterey Bay.

What: Science Saturday — Amazing Migrations
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us for January’s Science Saturday as we investigate the world of long-distance animal travels. Whales, birds, insects, and more will be the focus of our deeper look at these natural phenomena. Learn about the many amazing migratory birds that visit Monterey County every year, and celebrate another birthday for Sandy the Whale with cake served at noon. As always, admission to Science Saturday is free.

What: Volunteer Orientation Classes
When: Wednesday nights, Feb. 5-March 11
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Are you interested in volunteering at the museum? From docenting to joining one of our community science programs, there are many routes one can take. Learn about the museum's mission, our area's natural history and our volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in being a class member, or want more information, contact maddenfulk@pgmuseum.org.

What: Volunteer Event: California King Tide
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Learn about the King Tides and document the high tide first hand as part of the California King Tides Project. Not only will we participate in community science, but we will hear from a speaker after our journey to the beach. Open to museum volunteers.

What: Hardcore Natural History Series — Conversation with the Artist
When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us for a conversation with Natalie Arnoldi, whose artwork is featured in the museum’s Special Exhibit Gallery “Depths of Monterey Bay.” $5 members online • $10 non-members online • $15 at the door.

What: Science Saturday — Animal Athletes
When: Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

This highest jumping, fastest flying, strongest biting Science Saturday of the year focuses on the Olympians in the animal kingdom. From falcons to mountain lions, and beetles to beavers, every athlete has a story to tell. Join us for crafts, activities and science as we sprint, jump and dive into the world of Animal Athletes. As always, admission to Science Saturday is free.

What: Member Event: Birding by the Bay
When: Saturday, March 7, 8-10 a.m.
Where: Frog Pond Wetland Preserve, Del Rey Oaks

Members are invited to join us as we wake up with the birds for some spotting and identifying. Amanda Preece, board member of the Monterey Audubon Society and with California State Parks at Asilomar, will lead the walk as we peer through our binoculars to get a better look at those flighty friends that live all around us. Preece is no stranger to birds — making her living restoring native habitats and leading bird walks at Asilomar, pursuing a graduate degree in environmental science with her thesis related to songbird use of nest boxes, and spending her free time as a Black Oystercatcher monitor, among other volunteering pursuits. Binoculars available to share. RSVP to brooker@pgmuseum.org.

What: Night Owl: Prehistoric Party
When: Saturday, March 14, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Are you ready to party like it’s 19 million years ago? Join us as we put on a Night Owl fundraiser of epoch proportions. This will be an opportunity to get up close to fossils from our collection, while enjoying games, craft drinks, delicious bites and tromp-stomping music. Rediscover your sense of wonder while supporting the museum during this ancient after-hours event! Prehistoric costumes encouraged, with special prizes awarded. $29 members online, $39 non-members online, $49 at the door. Proceeds support museum education programs. Must be 21 and over.

What: Science Saturday — Bees, Wasps, Honey & Hives
When: Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Explore the sweet side of science as Science Saturday turns its attention to bees, wasps, honey and hives. Do all bees make honey? How do you tell a wasp from a bee? Do all bees sting? Find the answers to all of your buzzing questions as you complete a craft, and learn about some of our most important local pollinators. As always, admission to Science Saturday is free.

Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the museum is at 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. For more information, call 648-5716, or visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org

From Films and Lectures to Hands-on activities, PG Museum of Natural History rounds out 2019

As a vital community and educational hub, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans varied and engaging events and activities to help inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship.

Pacific Grove, CA, September 25, 2019 - As a vital community and educational hub, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans varied and engaging events and activities to help inspire discovery, wonder and stewardship.

This mission reshapes the typical museum experience, while creating a busy calendar to pique anyone’s interest.

The following schedule completes the 2019 calendar:

What: Science Saturday — The Sounds of Science
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

From rabbit ears to bat echolocation, from owls in flight to dolphin sonar, the sense of hearing and the power of sound plays an important role in the natural world and how we study it. This free event allows participants to learn, make cool crafts and play fun games all about the science of sounds.


What: Junior Naturalist — Raptors
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 9-10 a.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Visit the newly renovated Museum Bird Gallery and join Antonio Balesteri of Sky Patrol for an hour of feathery fun learning about the birds of prey of Monterey County.


What: Museum’s Annual Gala
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us in celebrating the Wonder of the Museum at the annual gala, featuring local wineries (McIntyre Vineyards, Flywheel Wines, Morgan Winery, Blair Wines, Twisted Roots), breweries (Carmel Craft Brewing Company & Martha’s Hopyard) and restaurants (Beach House at Lovers Point, Lugano Swiss Bistro, La Balena, il grillo, TusCA Hyatt Regency Monterey, California Market at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, and Parker Lusseau), a silent auction, drawings and music from DJ Steb Montez.


What: How to Create a Butterfly Nectar Garden
When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 1-2 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Native Plant Garden

During Butterfly Days, join the museum and gardener Katie to learn how to create the type of nectar gardens that will attract monarchs near an overwintering site like the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary. We’ll build a nectar garden together while we learn about the best types of native nectar plants to use in your own personal garden, and about the monarchs that could visit it.


What: Master Gardeners Demonstration Series
When: Monday, Oct. 14, 2-5 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Native Plant Garden

Join the Monterey Bay Chapter of the University of California Master Gardeners as we launch a new monthly demonstration series. These events kick off with Master Gardeners demonstrating the science of pruning. Guests will learn best practices and walk away with a new skill set to keep their own personal gardens thriving.


What: Hardcore Natural History Series — Sea Otters: A Parasite’s New Host
When: Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The southern sea otter population faces increasing challenges to survival. One of the largest obstacles otters face is a disease caused by the thorny-headed worm, a parasite known by scientists as an acanthocephalan. This talk features Richard Grewelle, PhD candidate at Hopkins Marine Station, who will discuss his current research.


What: Science Saturday — Bats, Spiders and Snakes
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Join us at this free event as we slither into the magical world of bats, spiders and snakes. Learn about these amazing (and important) animals as you visit fun and educational stations throughout the museum.


What: Junior Naturalist — Migratory Birds
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Point Pinos, Pacific Grove

Each winter thousands of birds migrate south along the California Coast, and the Monterey Audubon Society’s SeaWatch initiative works to catalog the number and species that travel past our beautiful bay. Paul Fenwick of SeaWatch will join us as we discover more about some of the amazing species that will fill our skies this holiday season.


Saturday, November 9, 2019 Member Event

A Passion for Jade

11am-1pm

Donna Wobber, Monterey Bay Jade Festival board member and wife of the late artist Don Wobber, takes us on his journey through Jade Cove and his incredible art with this alluring stone. Members are invited to join this presentation, where we ‘dive’ into Wobber's legacy of influencing the jade culture, and explain the incredible 2,400 pound jade art piece that resides in our Native Plant Garden. Museum membership required, with 25 spots available.


What: Science Saturday — Magnificent Monarchs
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

View live butterflies up close, migrate like a monarch, and learn how to garden with butterflies in mind. Participants at this free event can help our visiting monarchs by taking home their very own native wildflower pot.


What: Santa at the Museum
When: Monday, Dec. 2, 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Following Pacific Grove’s Tree Lighting Ceremony held at Jewell Park, walk the family over to the museum for a photo opportunity with Santa. Hosted by Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce.


What: Junior Naturalist — Tide Pool Exploration
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-6 p.m.
Where: 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove

Bring your rubber boots or water shoes as we get into the intertidal with our very own LiMPETS program coordinator Hannah Sarver. We will explore this ecosystem and the fantastic creatures that inhabit it as we learn about sea stars, anemones, nudibranchs and more.

Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the museum is at 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. For more information, call 648-5716, or visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org