Yale Bulletin and Calendar

April 13, 2007|Volume 35, Number 25

The ways that global changes are affecting Connecticut, including the recent die-off of lobsters in Long Island Sound, will be explored in a free day-long program on Thursday, April 19, at the Peabody Museum.

'Biodiversity and global change'
are focus of Peabody event

Three seemingly unrelated topics -- lobsters, Lyme disease and West Nile virus -- and the common thread that connects them will be the focus of a day-long program on Thursday, April 19, at the Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave.

Titled "Lobsters and Lyme: Biodiversity and Global Change," the program will take place 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Admission both to the museum and the day's activities will be free. Designed to coincide with April vacation in the New Haven Public Schools, the event will include activities aimed at the whole family.

The program will look at the ways that major global changes are making their mark in Connecticut -- from the recent lobster die-off in Long Island Sound, which was attributed to changes in the water temperature and levels of dissolved oxygen, to the increase in the number of reported cases of Lyme Disease in recent years, as well as the appearance of the West Nile Virus. Both of these diseases are transmitted to humans from other animals by arthropods: ticks in the case of Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes in the case of West Nile.

Two of the museum's ongoing professional development programs for teachers are looking at some of these changes, how they are related and the measures being taken to address the concerns.

Carmela Cuomo, of the Department of Biology & Environmental Sciences at the University of New Haven, will present the keynote address about "The Lobster Die-Off in Long Island Sound" at 12:30 p.m. in the museum's auditorium. There will also be talks on "Tick-Proofing Your Yard and Other Preventive Tales," by Kirby Stafford of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at 1:30 p.m.; and "Lyme Disease: Clinical Research Issues," by Dr. Janine Evans of the Department of Internal Medicine/Rheumatology at the Yale School of Medicine, at 2:30 p.m.

The "Lobsters and Lyme" program will also feature a puppet show, "Roxi's Incredible Insect Adventure," at 11 a.m. Throughout the day, there will be displays, games and crafts for children that are designed to be fun as well as educational.

Funding for "Lobsters and Lyme" has been provided by a Museums for America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health.

Also during April school vacation, the Peabody Museum will host its annual "Identification Day" on Wednesday, April 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Experts will be on hand to identify visitor finds, from pottery to feathers, minerals, bones, insects or flowers. All specimens are welcome.

The museum will also celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Local organizations will share their own efforts, as well as information about the actions everyone can take to protect the Earth. Visitors will have the opportunity to plant a tree seed and take it home to nurture.

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, located at 170 Whitney Ave., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, 25 and 31, and Jan. 1. Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors age 65 and older; $5 for children ages 3-18 and older students with I.D. There is free admission for all 2-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Museum members, Yale community members with a valid I.D. and children under age 3 are always admitted for free. The museum is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available in the Peabody Visitor Parking Lot, entrance off Whitney Ave., one block north of the museum; follow signs inside the entrance. For directions, events, or other information call (203) 432-5050 or visit the website at www.peabody.yale.edu.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Program celebrates town-gown ties, diversity

Charlie Rose of PBS to present Fryer Lecture

Study: Early estrogen therapy may reduce cardiovascular risks

In Focus: Women Faculty Forum

Exhibit celebrates centennial of Yale benefactor Paul Mellon

Three congregations to demonstrate ancient tradition of line-singing

Geologist Jun Korenaga is honored for his research on the Earth's mantle

Alumnus describes how life's challenges have also been a 'gift'

Vivian Perlis honored as chronicler of American music

Three award-winning alumni writers will read from their works

Yale Opera to stage classic operetta in a new style

Homage to director Rossellini will highlight program on Italian cinema

'Biodiversity and global change' are focus of Peabody event

Traditional calligraphy by Chinese student featured in benefit exhibition

Kristin Savard wins this year's Hockey Humanitarian Award

Campus Notes