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.
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Latest Posts
Spotting Spring On Philly’s Nature Scene
Spring is here and as the days lengthen, more and more characters will take their place on nature’s stage all around the city.
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Academy Scientists Make Important Discoveries
Knowing our biodiversity is the first step to conservation
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Highlighting Biodiversity: Familiar Flora in Newfoundland and Labrador
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.
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Crafting Scientific Leaders and Community this Summer Through DESLA
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.
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Results Show Lights Out Philly Works
Get ready for the bird migration starting April 1.
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Spring Garden Guide
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.
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Black Excellence in Local Birding Communities Is Creating Change at the Academy
New ANS partnerships and events with local Black Birders who are creating communities around the city and region to support equity and getting outdoors
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Conversations With Birds, They’re Everywhere
New exhibit anticipates spring migration season in Philly region
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There Is a Fungus Among Us! Killer Fungi in the Flesh at the Academy
Specimens of a certain parasitic fungi found in our collections with those otherworldly growth traits that have long been the inspiration for science fiction
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The Art of Tidying Up in the Entomology Collections
Drexel BEES student talks about the real scientific power (and fun!) of an orderly insect collection
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Embrace Winter and Explore Philly’s Nature
Bundle up, there’s still a lot to take in outside. Here are some ideas to get you started.
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The Big Dig this Summer at Bighorn Basin
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.
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Highlighting Biodiversity: Finding Frogs in the New Jersey Pine Barrens
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.
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Now That’s Funky! Recent Fossil Discovery Honors Academy Scientist
Once-in-a-lifetime fossil finding at the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona honors the mentorship of Academy’s beloved scientist, Ned Gilmore
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Four Ways to Get Involved in Science!
Discover environmental communities who are making a difference in our natural world and learn how you can join, too!
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Celebrating 10 Years of BEES With Department Head David Velinsky, PhD
Q&A about the history of the BEES Department, how it has grown over the last 10 years and its many success stories
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Highlighting Biodiversity: Spectacular Birds and the Amazon River
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.
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Alternatives to Road Salt
Road salt impacts our waterways, aquatic wildlife and infrastructure. This winter, think sustainably and make a change.
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Academy Gift Guide for 2022 Holidays
Happy Holidays! Great gift ideas for those special bookworms, young environmentalists and nature-loving enthusiasts
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Mural Brings Watershed Daydreams to Life
New public artwork illustrates U.N. Sustainability Goal for clean water, sanitation
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Get Outdoors with Philly’s Nature!
Salamanders, lichens, raccoons, birds — autumn is the perfect time to join many of our non-human neighbors in enjoying the outdoors.
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A Day in the Life at the Academy’s Ornithology Department
BEES co-op takes us through their interesting work cataloging historic eggs, stuffing birds and even catching louse.
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New Exhibition Presents Insects Like You’ve Never Seen Them
Microsculpture: The Insect Portraits of Levon Biss opens Nov. 19
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Leave the Leaves for Understory Habitats
Leaving those fallen autumn leaves in your yard is one part of a complex system that supports and sustains biodiversity
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Drexel Students Host the Nation’s First Local Conference of Youth
The Academy hosted the opening event Sept. 23
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Confronting the Effects of Coastal Climate Change
Students apply hands-on research with Academy scientist
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What Has the Clean Water Act Done for You?
Rowing, fishing, birding, and providing basic drinking water — fifty years later, the Clean Water Act still impacts us all
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In Search of the Hidden Cooper River
An historic expedition of the Cooper River, from its mouth at the Delaware River to its source at Gibbsboro, to uncover its hidden story
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Winterize Your Home (the Green Way)
Helpful and simple indoor tips on staying warm and environmentally conscious this winter.
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An Expedition Flag Conserved
A piece of exploration history associated with Matthew Henson and Robert Peary
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Otteo Sound Project, Music to the Ears
As told by a Drexel co-op
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Cheers! To 40 Years of WINS Success
An exceptional weekend celebration to honor our award-winning Women In Natural Sciences program.
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Orchids: The Royal Family of Plants
The Library and Archives delves into some fantastic works to peek at the history of this well-loved plant.
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Academy and Drexel Host America’s First Local Conference of Youth
In preparation for U.N. Climate Change Conference
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Bird Migrations: Timeless and Threatened
New York Times bestselling author Scott Weidensaul talks about the wonders of bird migration, Lights Out Philly and what we can do to help
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The Seeds of Belonging
Three successful women talk WINS, sisterhood and the power of science to change your life.
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Community Science to the Rescue, One Flipped Horseshoe Crab at a Time
Horseshoe crabs and shorebirds benefit from the amazing work of BEES instructor and volunteers in the Delaware Bay
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Award-Winning Women In Natural Sciences Marks 40 Years
Free museum Sept. 17-18 gets the party started
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Winterizing the Garden
As autumn arrives, preparing your garden for cold weather is easy, helping support your wallet and native wildlife.
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How to Save the World, Part 2
Ideas for coping with a changing planet
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New Exhibition Shows How We All Affect the Ocean
Ocean Bound this summer!
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How to Save the World, Part 1
Ideas for coping with a changing planet
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Capturing the Crane Fly
Drexel BEES student works to document and describe the amazing biodiversity of this truly interesting insect
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Birds and Biodiversity at Lacawac Sanctuary
Reflections by two students on their impactful DESLA experiences in nature
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Returning Home
WINS alumnae and new project assistant reminisces about the beauty of deep connections forged at the Academy
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Clean-Up on Aisle One
Surprising discovery from mussel surveys in Delaware River Basin
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On the Wings of Research
BEES alum and first author on a recently published Nature paper talks butterflies, data and student experiences
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City Residents Help the Academy Map Urban Hotspots
Community scientists collect data on heat and air quality for NOAA study
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Engaging Mindfully with Nature
Finding small and simple ways to reflect on the environment has numerous benefits
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WINS Founder Donates Treasure Trove of History
The gift comes as WINS celebrates its 40th year in September
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The Heat of the Moment
As the temperature rises, Academy scientist confirms that climate change is causing dire problems for people everywhere, including Philly.
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Changing Water, Changing Climate
With greater knowledge of the ocean’s abyss, we can better understand the scope of human influence.
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Trapping Lanternflies with Innovation
A BEES student investigates a cutting-edge trapping method for the spotted lanternfly, while adding her own scientific touch.
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Let’s Be Plastic Free!
Easing off plastics in our day-to-day lives is simple and impactful.
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Effecting Change with a Fulbright Fellowship
Akilah Chatman, BEES graduate, aims to create green spaces in Cambodia with prestigious award.
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Multi-Part Art Exhibition, Watershed Experience Opens This Summer
Watershed Moment focuses on the importance and vibrancy of the watershed
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The Story of A Lifetime
Senior fellow at the Academy is elected into prestigious society for his life’s work in understanding nature.
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Awardees of The Environmental Collaboratory’s Inaugural Research Grant
From the Vice Provost and Executive Director of The Environmental Collaboratory
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Coyote and Fox Populations on the Rise?
The Academy asks BEES professor and urban wildlife ecologist Dane Ward for the answers
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Being in Nature: Good for Mind, Body and Nutrition
Drexel researchers find getting outdoors promotes a healthy diet
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Fast Facts About Plastics Pollution
Bottled water is not regulated by EPA
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Plastic-free Philly, Philly’s Solution to Plastic Pollution
New initiative aims to put a lid on single-use water bottles
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Meet Our New Executive Director, Library and Archives
The Academy welcomes our new executive director of library and archives to help manage one of the finest natural history libraries in North America
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Protect Our Water
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.
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Floodplains and Redlines
Drexel BEES students research Philly flood hazard zones that overlap with marginalized communities
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New Sound Installation Gives Voice to the Schuylkill
The River Feeds Back reveals a new way to experience water
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The Future Ghost Forests of New Jersey
Careful research of loblolly pines can help prevent tree death in NJ marshes
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Birding in the Great Outdoors
Perspectives from Black Birder Anwar Abdul-Qawi, lead keeper at the Academy, on getting outdoors
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Let’s Talk about Climate Anxiety
Introducing the topic of climate change to young minds
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10 Hikes to Explore Our Watershed
Get up close and personal with our watershed on these 10 hikes.
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New Species of Ancient Fish Discovered Along PA Roadside
Important discovery of great scientific interest
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Academy leads effort to map Philly’s heat and air quality
NOAA-funded project involves dozens of community scientists
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Helping a Still Life Come Alive
For Earth Day, Academy experts illuminate famous PMA painting
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Join the Philadelphia City Nature Challenge
From April 29 to May 2 participate in friendly global competition
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Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss
An exhibit review by a 12-year-old visitor
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The Royal Connection
About those unusual illustrations in the Extreme Deep exhibit
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Drinking Water and Disease: The strange partners that shaped Philadelphia
Part 1: Fairmount Water Works, the right answer for the wrong problem
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Getting Creative in the Field
A BEES student finds a fun way to engage the community in science with stickers
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Meet Our New VP of Community Learning
He’s got big plans for women in science and Black birders
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Golden Eagle Artwork Finds a Home
Scratchboard artist Jim Lish gives his life’s work to the Academy
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Create a Water-Wise Garden
Preserve water and keep the environment beautiful by simply creating a water-wise garden
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Explore the Mysteries of the Deepest Oceans
Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss Opens April 2
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The Fish With the Fishy Name
“Great fish do not swim in shallow waters”-Matshona Dhliwayo
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Lights Out Kicks Off for Spring 2022
Save the migrating birds
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Q & A: Mathy Vathanaraj Stanislaus
Executive Director of The Environmental Collaboratory
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Little Organism, Big Impact
Some of Earth’s smallest creatures, such as diatoms, can actually have some of the biggest impacts on our planet
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Museum Innovation Fund Announces Spring 2022 Grantees
Establishing an open innovation culture
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Science, Leadership and Adventure: Firsthand DESLA Experiences
DESLA is one part outdoor adventure, one part leadership training and two parts field experience
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Environmental Science PhD Student Publishes Children’s Book on Climate Change
Her community outreach work at the Academy inspired her
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Drexel’s Environmental Collaboratory Will Solve Environmental Problems With a Community-Driven and Justice-Centered Approach
Among first projects: lead poisoning in West Philly
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Say Freeze! Capturing the Microcosm
Snow crystals exhibit such a bewildering diversity and beauty
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New Species Named and Described
Academy scientists add five to world’s species inventory
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A Life of its Own: The Pine Barrens Project
Q&A with David Scott Kessler, Curator and Filmmaker
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Creating Bird-Friendly Habitats
Make your own environment a bird-friendly habitat this winter by following some of these nine tips.
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Climate Year Wrap-Up
End-of-Year Report
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Academy Kids Club Offers Water Year Challenge Badges
Teaming Up with Young United Nations Global Alliance
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Remembering Thomas Dolan IV (1923-2021)
Academy friend and champion of the natural world
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New Exhibitions For 2022
Mark your calendar.
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Tips to Use Less Water
Easy steps to take in your own home
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Thomas E. Lovejoy, III (1941-2021)
Remembering a champion of conservation and long-time Academy associate
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Reuse it!
If you find you’re spending more time at home than usual, it’s a great opportunity to consider reevaluating that stuff[…]
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Renewed call to protect Philly’s waterways
History tells us we cannot ignore any part of the water system
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Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday season has arrived, and this year you might be looking for unique gifts that are guaranteed to be as “in[…]
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Get Our Best Deal of the Year on Membership
Offer ends Nov. 29 at 11:59 p.m.
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Help Us Restore the Drama of the Diorama
Which diorama will we renovate next?
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Invisible World of Water Opens Nov. 13
Combines the marvel and insight of scientific and artistic inquiry
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Start Composting!
Composting is easy, fun and a practical way to support our planet. Learn about different types and what to do with your compost in the winter.
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Remembering the Great Auk
You can see the mounted specimen at the Academy
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A Decade of Drexel and the Academy
The first 10 years of the historic affiliation between Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences spawned new programs, partnerships and monumental growth.
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Women Voices on Climate Change, Part 2
Immense potential, hope, ideas for a sustainable future
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Women Voices on Climate Change
Where they see possibilities, Part 1
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Members’ Night 2021
Our members are a force for nature
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Reduce Home Energy Use
When seasons change, so do indoor temperatures. Whether we’re turning down the AC to cool off, or turning up the[…]
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History Co-ops Dive Deep into Academy Archives
A history of science at the Academy
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Uncovering the Real James Bond
Author met him in the 1970s while working at the Academy
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Don’t Fall for the Spotted Lanternfly
Fall is the time to combat the destructive beauty
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Museum Innovation Fund
An opportunity to rethink the future of museums with the Academy of Natural Sciences
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Bike to Work!
Even as we transition into new ways of living and working, bicycling has maintained its appeal: it’s an affordable, healthy[…]
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Bird Safe Philly Kicks Off Fall Migration
Seasonal Lights Out Philly runs Aug. 15-Nov. 15
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Teaming Up with United By Blue for Cobbs Creek
Join the community cleanup Aug. 21!
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Eat for the Planet!
Six tips to sustainable eating
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Building a More Resilient, Just City
Extreme storms will cause more flooding issues
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Viruses Explained Wins Award
See this pop-up exhibit through August
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Preparing for a Warmer Wetter Philadelphia
Beat the Heat Hunting Park helps mitigate extreme heat
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Climate Change and Me
NBC10’s Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz on a Warmer Wetter Philadelphia
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Refreshed Outside In Reopens
Inspiring all to appreciate nature in our communities
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Connecting Collections to Field Notes
Living testament to Academy research and collections
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Drexel Helps Set Climate Resilience Research Agenda for Philadelphia
Academy scientists helping plan and deliver on goals
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Eyeballs and Glass, Cleaned and Polished
Three iconic dioramas get the treatment
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Easy Tips to Ease off Plastic
Start now in Plastic Free July
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Fire in the Pine Barrens
Flames bring the future
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Biodiversity is Essential in Battling Climate Effects
Join the next Academy Town Square June 24
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Specimen Preparation: A Preservation of Time
Ornithology co-op Jenna Souto explains the specimen preparation process.
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Five Tips and 100 Places to Inspire You to Get Outside
Getting outdoors is good for you! We’ve got 5 easy tips and 100 locations to inspire you.
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How to celebrate 17-year cicadas – eat one!
Try our Cicada and Grits recipe
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Free Admission Days for Hospital Workers
Hospital heroes honored in May
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Seven Steps to Sustainable Gardening
Planning, planting and caring for an earth-friendly garden
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Personal Stories, Our Stories
Academy president reflects on the stories told in Drowning World exhibit
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Join the City Nature Challenge!
Mark your calendar April 30-May 3
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Gideon Mendel: Drowning World Opens May 1
Unique photographic exploration of flooding around the world
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Is Philly Being Snubbed Again?
By cicadas?
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Brood X Cicadas, Pt 2
Our entomologist describes what to expect
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Brood X Cicadas, Pt 1
Everything you need to know and more
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Data Entry: It’s Not Just Typing
Tracing global warming patterns through specimens
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Drexel Added to University Climate Change Coalition
Jump-starting a year focused on climate action
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New Already-Endangered Screech Owls Found
Academy scientists are among team that discovered two new species in the Brazilian rainforest
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Scientists Discover New Species
Academy scientists surface from 2020 with 37 new species
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Plant a Pollinator Garden
Tips to help care for our environment
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Celebrating Women’s History Month
Meet some of our scientists
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Insect Collection Valuable to Society
Feds used our bumblebees to study decline of the species
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Spotted Lanternflies Are Here
And they’ll be worse than last year
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Mystery in the Library for Women’s History Month
Many women appear in photos but are unnamed
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WINS Internships Connect to Active Research
Each student walks away with a unique experience
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Philadelphia Joins National Lights Out
Program to Save Migrating Birds
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Window Strikes in Ornithology
A resource for scientists, students, community
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Meet Our WINS Alumnae
ZOOM with us March 11 for Life After WINS
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Call for Community Scientists
Parasite tracking needs you
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Celebrating WINS Successes
Meet two leaders who make the program possible
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How to Use Less Water
Do you know how much water you use each day?
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Welcome to the MOOSEUM
Award-winning whimsical wayfinding
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Visualize Diverse Scientists
What’s your perception of a scientist?
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Backyard Habitats
Building for the Birds, the Bees and the Bats
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