Date: March 26, 2010

Author: Peter Willson

Six-year-old Alyssa sparks an animal exchange.

For the first time ever, Explorit Science Center will feature animals on loan from a partner museum. This Saturday, March 27 Explorit Science Center will host two new friends. One, a Great Horned Owl named Tucker and the other is Boris a Desert Tortoise. The animal exchange comes as a partnership with the Discovery Museum in Sacramento.

Peter Willson the Director of Marketing & Development explains how the collaboration came about. "About a month ago a message appeared in my e-mail. It was from a mom who had recently brought her daughter in to Explorit for a visit. She explained that they are members and come all the time. She thought her six year old daughter had a great idea." Willson explains that at first he was skeptical, "I must admit at first I was not sure where the e-mail would go, but after reading what Alyssa suggested, I knew she had a great idea." It was simple, but perfect. Alyssa stated that although she loves to come in and interact with Connie, Explorit's six-foot-long Ball Python, or Blizzard their blue- tongued skink, she would like to learn about other animals too.

"It was pure marketing gold," states Willson. "I immediately picked up the phone and called Beth Callahan a good friend of mine at the Discovery Museum and we both agreed 'Why didn't we think of this earlier'?" And thus, an animal exchange was born. Our reptiles made a visit to the Discovery Museum last week, and our visitors will get a chance to meet to learn about a new set of friends this weekend.

Come interact and learn more about our visiting friends at two presentations this Saturday by the Discovery Museum's Emily Anderson. The first presentation, about 20 minutes in length will begin at 12:00pm and a second show will begin at 1:00pm.

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Used cars create cash for Explorit

"It was simply not drivable anymore," so Marc H of the Davis Energy Group picked up the phone and donated his 1990 Saab with close to 150,000 miles to Explorit Science Center. Peter Willson, the Director of Development and Marketing couldn't have been happier to hear the news, "We are super excited. This is the first car that we will process through our car Donation Program." Explorit's car donation program allows people to donate anything with a motor-running or not. Willson explains, "We take everything, cars, boats, RV's, riding lawn mowers, scooters, mopeds, really anything with a motor." This program provides a great benefit for everyone involved. Lou Ziskind, Explorit's Executive Director sees this as a win-win, "The donor gets to get rid of a junker and at the same time earns a tax credit based upon the donation to a non-profit. Explorit wins as we receive the payout of the value of the resale or scrap of the car."

To find out how you can donate your vehicle, simply visit www.explorit.org and scroll through the donation tab until you see the vehicle donation program.

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Birding Classes meet at Explorit Nature Center

In addition to the Astronomy Club, Yolo Amateur Radio Society, and the Linux Users Group of Davis, Explorit now hosts Birding Classes at its Nature Center.

Beginning Birding: The beginner's course, intended for the birding novice, offers an introduction to birding basics. Sessions will focus on developing identification skills, including learning how to use field guides and binoculars effectively. Specific topics include discussion of optical equipment, books and online sources of information, identification of backyard and other common birds, and an overview of basic habitats in the region and common wintering birds that inhabit them.

Intermediate Birding: The intermediate course is for experienced birders who seek to refine their birding skills and who have well-developed field skills. Sessions will focus on harder to identify groups of spring/summer birds, such as flycatchers, migrant shorebirds, vireos, hummingbirds, thrushes and others. Specific topics include reviewing the field guides and identification articles; status, distribution and habitat preferences; as well as behavioral cues that provide a better understanding of these birds.

Classes will be held at Explorit's Nature Center located at 3141 Fifth St in Davis, CA.

To register send a check for $125 made payable to John Sterling, 26 Palm Ave, Woodland, CA 95695 and indicate the class. Contact John at jsterling@wavecable.com or call him at 503 908-3836.

Beginning Birding on Mondays, Intermediate Birding on Tuesdays. Six week courses: April 12/13 to, May 17/18, 7-9 p.m.; Lectures will be illustrated with photographs. For more information: http://www.sterlingbirds.com/birding_classes__yolo_basin.html

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Explorit Science Center is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 2801 Second St. in Davis. Admission is $4 general, free for ages 3 and under, as well as members and teachers with ID. For more information: http://www.explorit.org or (530) 756-0191.

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