The Academy of Natural Sciences

Studying Geology and Water Chemistry in the Delaware River Basin

September 13, 2023 Academy Editor Environmental Science, People

Recent BEES grad Kayla Aughenbaugh discusses her research into local geology and human impacts

Malacology Collection Supports Scientific Discoveries in Unexpected Places

September 8, 2023 Academy Editor Malacology

A new book will be a major mollusk resource for biologists and conservationists studying the 45th state

Fall Garden Guide

September 5, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Sustainability

Whether you live in the city, suburbs or out in the woods, you can help local biodiversity flourish with a few of these simple autumn garden tips.

Create Your Own Pressed Botanical Specimen

August 16, 2023 Academy Editor Botany

An easy step-by-step guide on pressing and preserving your plants and flowers

Science Is for Everyone: Grant Support Helps Share a Love of Birds

August 9, 2023 Academy Editor Birding, Ornithology, People

BEES PhD student Emily Griffith has been awarded over $10,000 in grant funding this year alone to further her ornithological research.

The Unexpected Diversity of Philadelphia’s Bees

August 1, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Entomology, Sustainability

Academy co-op and BEES student Liz Otruba surveyed the bee population at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum to see how many species were really there

Through the Sands of Time: Giant Clams as Paleoclimate Timekeepers

July 27, 2023 Academy Editor Malacology, People

Measuring stable isotopes in giant clam fossils can be one of the most accurate proxies for reconstructing past ocean conditions and in turn, reveal the changes caused by anthropogenic climate change

Studying New Hawk Communities Through Genetics and Collections

July 10, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Birding, Ornithology, People

Therese Catanach, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Ornithology who primarily studies hawks and their parasitic lice tells us about using genetics to understand birds of prey

Exploring Skin’s Fascinating Roles for Organisms

July 7, 2023 Academy Editor Exhibit

Our newest exhibit opens at the Academy and delves into the wild, strange and complex functions of skin, hair, feathers, fur, scales and more

One Tiny Mollusk, One Big Discovery

June 27, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Malacology, People

Tobias Tagliaferro, a recent Drexel co-op in the Academy’s Malacology Department, discusses a very small bivalve, freshly discovered and scientifically named, that has a monumental impact

New Tumbler Leaves Bird Specimens Hide and Dry

June 14, 2023 Academy Editor Birding, Ornithology, People

Engineering students from Middle Bucks Institute of Technology have successfully designed and developed a foldable hide tumbler in partnership with Academy scientists

From Coastal Ecosystems to Cultural Exchanges, a Fulbright in Fiji this Fall

June 12, 2023 Academy Editor Environmental Science, People

Curatorial Assistant Daouda Njie, a recent graduate of Drexel’s Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science was awarded a Fulbright study research grant to Fiji

Highlighting Biodiversity: Freshwater Fishes in Equatorial Guinea

June 7, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Ichthyology, People

As the Academy celebrates biodiversity — the remarkable, beautiful tapestry of life on Earth — this year, we are delving into some of the fascinating locations our scientists have visited in the region and across the globe to study and help protect our planet’s phenomenally diverse and incredible species.

Summer Garden Guide

June 1, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Botany, Environmental Science, Sustainability

Whether you live in the city, suburbs or out in the woods, you can help local biodiversity flourish with a few of these simple summer garden tips.

New Exhibit Looks Into Drawing as a Way of Knowing Birds

May 21, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Birding, Exhibit

Illuminating Birds welcomes visitors to celebrate and feel inspired by ornithological illustrations

Testing Soil for Lead in West Philly Vacant Lots

May 18, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Environmental Science, People

The Academy joined forces with local organization and university to create a clearer picture of potential contaminants in our city’s empty spaces

Honoring the Silvermans: Creating a Passionate Community For the Love of All Living Things

May 11, 2023 Academy Editor Education, Live Animals, People

Arthur and Carol Silverman have not only been long-time friends and supporters of the Academy, but also absolutely integral to our mission to inspire everyone to care about the natural world.

Mary Gibson Henry’s Extraordinary Botanical Collection Digitized

April 21, 2023 Academy Editor Botany

A volunteer BEES alum sheds some light on an innovative botanist and the importance of making her work available to everyone digitally.

Highlighting Biodiversity: Searching for Snails in the Delaware River

April 13, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Environmental Science, People

Get Involved with iNaturalist!

April 6, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Environmental Science, People, Sustainability

Learn how you can join an amazing network of nature lovers who explore and share observations that contribute to biodiversity science.

Academy Guide to Local Bird-watching Spots

April 1, 2023 Academy Editor Birding, Environmental Science, People

Discover new and fascinating local bird populations or spot astounding migrators that fly through the tri-state regions, simply by visiting one of these amazing nearby parks, preserves, refuges or gardens.

Phenomenal Migration and Transformation of American Eels

March 27, 2023 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Ichthyology, Sustainability

Spring is that time of year when freshwater creeks and streams all along the Philadelphia region are swarming with native, migratory eels — and it’s just one stage of their wildly complex life story.

Spotting Spring On Philly’s Nature Scene

March 21, 2023 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

Spring is here and as the days lengthen, more and more characters will take their place on nature’s stage all around the city.

Academy Scientists Make Important Discoveries

March 16, 2023 Carolyn Belardo Biodiversity, Evolution, Featured, Fossil, Ichthyology, Paleontology

Knowing our biodiversity is the first step to conservation

Highlighting Biodiversity: Familiar Flora in Newfoundland and Labrador

March 13, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Botany, Photoblog

Crafting Scientific Leaders and Community this Summer Through DESLA

March 7, 2023 Academy Editor Environmental Science, People, Program

A weeklong outdoors summer adventure for high school students that gets everyone out in the field doing real environmental research, right alongside our very own Academy scientists and BEES professors.

Results Show Lights Out Philly Works

March 3, 2023 Carolyn Belardo Biodiversity, Birding, Environmental Science, Featured, Ornithology, Program

Get ready for the bird migration starting April 1.

Spring Garden Guide

March 1, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Sustainability

Whether you live in the city, suburbs or out in the woods, you can help local biodiversity flourish with a few of these simple spring garden tips.

Black Excellence in Local Birding Communities Is Creating Change at the Academy

February 27, 2023 Academy Editor Birding, People

New ANS partnerships and events with local Black Birders who are creating communities around the city and region to support equity and getting outdoors

Conversations With Birds, They’re Everywhere

February 14, 2023 Carolyn Belardo Biodiversity, Birding, Exhibit, Featured, Ornithology

New exhibit anticipates spring migration season in Philly region

There Is a Fungus Among Us! Killer Fungi in the Flesh at the Academy

February 13, 2023 Academy Editor Botany, Entomology

Specimens of a certain parasitic fungi found in our collections with those otherworldly growth traits that have long been the inspiration for science fiction

The Art of Tidying Up in the Entomology Collections

February 10, 2023 Academy Editor Entomology, People

Drexel BEES student talks about the real scientific power (and fun!) of an orderly insect collection

Embrace Winter and Explore Philly’s Nature

February 8, 2023 Academy Editor Birding

Bundle up, there’s still a lot to take in outside. Here are some ideas to get you started.

The Big Dig this Summer at Bighorn Basin

February 6, 2023 Academy Editor Membership, Paleontology

A joint field study between the Academy and Elevation Science Institute promises to be an amazing experience for all naturalists and nature lovers, and you can join in, too.

Highlighting Biodiversity: Finding Frogs in the New Jersey Pine Barrens

February 3, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Herpetology, People

Now That’s Funky! Recent Fossil Discovery Honors Academy Scientist

February 2, 2023 Academy Editor Evolution, Fossil, Paleontology, People

Once-in-a-lifetime fossil finding at the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona honors the mentorship of Academy’s beloved scientist, Ned Gilmore

Four Ways to Get Involved in Science!

February 1, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Sustainability

Discover environmental communities who are making a difference in our natural world and learn how you can join, too!

Celebrating 10 Years of BEES With Department Head David Velinsky, PhD

January 13, 2023 Academy Editor Environmental Science, People

Q&A about the history of the BEES Department, how it has grown over the last 10 years and its many success stories

Highlighting Biodiversity: Spectacular Birds and the Amazon River

January 12, 2023 Academy Editor Biodiversity, Birding, Environmental Science, People

Alternatives to Road Salt

December 1, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

Road salt impacts our waterways, aquatic wildlife and infrastructure. This winter, think sustainably and make a change.

Academy Gift Guide for 2022 Holidays

November 30, 2022 Academy Editor Gift Shop

Happy Holidays! Great gift ideas for those special bookworms, young environmentalists and nature-loving enthusiasts

Mural Brings Watershed Daydreams to Life

November 18, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Environmental Science, Featured, Sustainability

New public artwork illustrates U.N. Sustainability Goal for clean water, sanitation

Get Outdoors with Philly’s Nature!

November 15, 2022 Academy Editor Birding, Botany, Environmental Science, Photoblog

Salamanders, lichens, raccoons, birds — autumn is the perfect time to join many of our non-human neighbors in enjoying the outdoors.

birds ready for mounting to the collection

A Day in the Life at the Academy’s Ornithology Department

November 14, 2022 Academy Editor Birding, Environmental Science, People

BEES co-op takes us through their interesting work cataloging historic eggs, stuffing birds and even catching louse.

New Exhibition Presents Insects Like You’ve Never Seen Them

November 14, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Entomology, Exhibit, Featured

Microsculpture: The Insect Portraits of Levon Biss opens Nov. 19

Leave the Leaves for Understory Habitats

November 10, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

Leaving those fallen autumn leaves in your yard is one part of a complex system that supports and sustains biodiversity

Drexel Students Host the Nation’s First Local Conference of Youth

November 4, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Featured

The Academy hosted the opening event Sept. 23

Confronting the Effects of Coastal Climate Change

October 24, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Environmental Science, Featured

Students apply hands-on research with Academy scientist

What Has the Clean Water Act Done for You?

October 21, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

Rowing, fishing, birding, and providing basic drinking water — fifty years later, the Clean Water Act still impacts us all

In Search of the Hidden Cooper River

October 5, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

An historic expedition of the Cooper River, from its mouth at the Delaware River to its source at Gibbsboro, to uncover its hidden story

Winterize Your Home (the Green Way)

October 3, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

Helpful and simple indoor tips on staying warm and environmentally conscious this winter.

An Expedition Flag Conserved

September 28, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Featured, Library, People

A piece of exploration history associated with Matthew Henson and Robert Peary

Otteo Sound Project, Music to the Ears

September 28, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Entomology, Featured, Program

As told by a Drexel co-op

Cheers! To 40 Years of WINS Success

September 21, 2022 Academy Editor People, Photoblog, WINS, Women In Natural Sciences

An exceptional weekend celebration to honor our award-winning Women In Natural Sciences program.

Orchids: The Royal Family of Plants

September 20, 2022 Academy Editor Uncategorized

The Library and Archives delves into some fantastic works to peek at the history of this well-loved plant.

Academy and Drexel Host America’s First Local Conference of Youth

September 20, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Environmental Science, Featured, People

In preparation for U.N. Climate Change Conference

Bird Migrations: Timeless and Threatened

September 13, 2022 Academy Editor Birding, Environmental Science, People

New York Times bestselling author Scott Weidensaul talks about the wonders of bird migration, Lights Out Philly and what we can do to help

The Seeds of Belonging

September 9, 2022 Academy Editor People, Women In Natural Sciences

Three successful women talk WINS, sisterhood and the power of science to change your life.

shorebirds on beach with flipped horseshoe crab

Community Science to the Rescue, One Flipped Horseshoe Crab at a Time

September 8, 2022 Academy Editor Birding, Environmental Science, Ornithology, People, Sustainability

Horseshoe crabs and shorebirds benefit from the amazing work of BEES instructor and volunteers in the Delaware Bay

Award-Winning Women In Natural Sciences Marks 40 Years

September 1, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Featured, Program, WINS

Free museum Sept. 17-18 gets the party started

Winterizing the Garden

August 31, 2022 Academy Editor Birding, Botany, Environmental Science, Sustainability

As autumn arrives, preparing your garden for cold weather is easy, helping support your wallet and native wildlife.

How to Save the World, Part 2

August 29, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured, Sustainability

Ideas for coping with a changing planet

New Exhibition Shows How We All Affect the Ocean

August 28, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Environmental Science, Exhibit, Featured, Interactive

Ocean Bound this summer!

How to Save the World, Part 1

August 28, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Environmental Science, Featured, People

Ideas for coping with a changing planet

Capturing the Crane Fly

August 24, 2022 Academy Editor Entomology, Environmental Science, People

Drexel BEES student works to document and describe the amazing biodiversity of this truly interesting insect

Birds and Biodiversity at Lacawac Sanctuary

August 17, 2022 Academy Editor Birding, Ornithology, Sustainability

Reflections by two students on their impactful DESLA experiences in nature

Returning Home

August 15, 2022 Academy Editor Education, People, WINS

WINS alumnae and new project assistant reminisces about the beauty of deep connections forged at the Academy

Clean-Up on Aisle One

August 9, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured, Malacology

Surprising discovery from mussel surveys in Delaware River Basin

On the Wings of Research

August 4, 2022 Academy Editor Entomology, Environmental Science, People

BEES alum and first author on a recently published Nature paper talks butterflies, data and student experiences

City Residents Help the Academy Map Urban Hotspots

August 4, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured, Sustainability

Community scientists collect data on heat and air quality for NOAA study

young woman writing in journal in wilderness

Engaging Mindfully with Nature

August 2, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

Finding small and simple ways to reflect on the environment has numerous benefits

WINS Founder Donates Treasure Trove of History

August 1, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Featured, Library, People, Program, WINS

The gift comes as WINS celebrates its 40th year in September

The Heat of the Moment

July 20, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

As the temperature rises, Academy scientist confirms that climate change is causing dire problems for people everywhere, including Philly.

blue deep sea creature floating in dark water

Changing Water, Changing Climate

July 19, 2022 Academy Editor Evolution, Exhibit, Malacology, Sustainability

With greater knowledge of the ocean’s abyss, we can better understand the scope of human influence.

Trapping Lanternflies with Innovation

July 12, 2022 Academy Editor Entomology, People

A BEES student investigates a cutting-edge trapping method for the spotted lanternfly, while adding her own scientific touch.

Simple Ways to be Plastic Free

July 1, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

Easing off plastics in our day-to-day lives is simple and impactful.

Effecting Change with a Fulbright Fellowship

July 1, 2022 Academy Editor Education, Environmental Science, People

Akilah Chatman, BEES graduate, aims to create green spaces in Cambodia with prestigious award.

Multi-Part Art Exhibition, Watershed Experience Opens This Summer

June 28, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Exhibit, Featured

Watershed Moment focuses on the importance and vibrancy of the watershed

The Story of A Lifetime

June 27, 2022 Academy Editor Featured, Library, People

Senior fellow at the Academy is elected into prestigious society for his life’s work in understanding nature.

Awardees of The Environmental Collaboratory’s Inaugural Research Grant

June 21, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured, Sustainability

From the Vice Provost and Executive Director of The Environmental Collaboratory

Coyote and Fox Populations on the Rise?

June 15, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Featured

The Academy asks BEES professor and urban wildlife ecologist Dane Ward for the answers

Being in Nature: Good for Mind, Body and Nutrition

June 14, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, People, Sustainability

Drexel researchers find getting outdoors promotes a healthy diet

Fast Facts About Plastics Pollution

June 7, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured

Bottled water is not regulated by EPA

Plastic-free Philly, Philly’s Solution to Plastic Pollution

June 7, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured

New initiative aims to put a lid on single-use water bottles

Meet Our New Executive Director, Library and Archives

June 6, 2022 Academy Editor Featured, Library, People, Uncategorized

The Academy welcomes our new executive director of library and archives to help manage one of the finest natural history libraries in North America

three grey birds swimming with reeds in the foreground

Protect Our Water

June 2, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Sustainability

Protecting and conserving our water are critical to the health of our planet and ourselves. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to keep it clean.

Floodplains and Redlines

June 1, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, People, Sustainability

Drexel BEES students research Philly flood hazard zones that overlap with marginalized communities

New Sound Installation Gives Voice to the Schuylkill

May 31, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Exhibit, Featured, People

The River Feeds Back reveals a new way to experience water

The Future Ghost Forests of New Jersey

May 17, 2022 Academy Editor Botany, Environmental Science, Sustainability

Careful research of loblolly pines can help prevent tree death in NJ marshes

Birding in the Great Outdoors

May 16, 2022 Academy Editor Birding, Featured, People, Photoblog, Program

Perspectives from Black Birder Anwar Abdul-Qawi, lead keeper at the Academy, on getting outdoors

Let’s Talk about Climate Anxiety

May 9, 2022 Academy Editor Education, Environmental Science, Sustainability

Introducing the topic of climate change to young minds

10 Hikes to Explore Our Watershed

May 5, 2022 MikeServedio Featured, Uncategorized

Get up close and personal with our watershed on these 10 hikes.

New Species of Ancient Fish Discovered Along PA Roadside

May 2, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Evolution, Featured, Fossil, Paleontology

Important discovery of great scientific interest

Academy leads effort to map Philly’s heat and air quality

April 26, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured, Program, Sustainability

NOAA-funded project involves dozens of community scientists

Helping a Still Life Come Alive

April 22, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Botany, Entomology, Featured, Malacology

For Earth Day, Academy experts illuminate famous PMA painting

Join the Philadelphia City Nature Challenge

April 22, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Birding, Botany, Entomology, Environmental Science, Featured, Herpetology, Ichthyology, Malacology, Ornithology, Program

From April 29 to May 2 participate in friendly global competition

Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss

April 21, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Environmental Science, Exhibit, Featured, Ichthyology

An exhibit review by a 12-year-old visitor

The Royal Connection

April 18, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Exhibit, Featured, Ichthyology, Library, People

About those unusual illustrations in the Extreme Deep exhibit

Drinking Water and Disease: The strange partners that shaped Philadelphia

April 14, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Featured, Library, People

Part 1: Fairmount Water Works, the right answer for the wrong problem

Getting Creative in the Field

April 13, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, People

A BEES student finds a fun way to engage the community in science with stickers

Meet Our New VP of Community Learning

April 12, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Birding, Education, Featured, Ornithology, People

He’s got big plans for women in science and Black birders

Golden Eagle Artwork Finds a Home

April 6, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Birding, Featured, Ornithology, People

Scratchboard artist Jim Lish gives his life’s work to the Academy

Create a Water-Wise Garden

April 1, 2022 Academy Editor Botany, People, Sustainability

Preserve water and keep the environment beautiful by simply creating a water-wise garden

Explore the Mysteries of the Deepest Oceans

March 31, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Exhibit, Featured, Ichthyology

Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss Opens April 2

The Fish With the Fishy Name

March 31, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Exhibit, Featured, Ichthyology

“Great fish do not swim in shallow waters”-Matshona Dhliwayo

Lights Out Kicks Off for Spring 2022

March 28, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Birding, Featured, Ornithology

Save the migrating birds

Q & A: Mathy Vathanaraj Stanislaus

March 16, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured, People, Sustainability

Executive Director of The Environmental Collaboratory

Little Organism, Big Impact

March 16, 2022 Academy Editor Environmental Science, Exhibit, Fossil

Some of Earth’s smallest creatures, such as diatoms, can actually have some of the biggest impacts on our planet

Museum Innovation Fund Announces Spring 2022 Grantees

March 14, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Environmental Science, Featured, Program

Establishing an open innovation culture

Science, Leadership and Adventure: Firsthand DESLA Experiences

March 10, 2022 Academy Editor Education, Environmental Science, People, Program

DESLA is one part outdoor adventure, one part leadership training and two parts field experience

Environmental Science PhD Student Publishes Children’s Book on Climate Change

February 23, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Environmental Science, Featured, People, Uncategorized

Her community outreach work at the Academy inspired her

Drexel’s Environmental Collaboratory Will Solve Environmental Problems With a Community-Driven and Justice-Centered Approach

February 10, 2022 Carolyn Belardo Education, Environmental Science, Featured, People, Program, Sustainability

Among first projects: lead poisoning in West Philly