Science
Compiled by Bob Rouse
SLEEP WITH THE FISHES
MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
Monterey Bay, on California’s central coast, is one of the richest marine
regions on the planet. And situated on the edge of sand and sea is the
Monterey Bay Aquarium, which houses nearly 200 exhibits and galleries
devoted to the diverse habitats of the bay.
Visitors can discover the aquarium’s lush kelp forest, charming sea
otters, hypnotic jellies or its million-gallon indoor ocean—home to sea
turtles, giant tunas, sharks and a shimmering school of sardines. Outdoor
decks offer panoramic views of Monterey Bay and dramatic displays of
ocean wildlife, such as whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea birds, seals and
sea lions.
“The aquarium is an award-winning educational institution with engaging
ways to learn about marine wildlife and ocean conservation,” said Lisa
Shipley, sales manager. “Students can dive deeper into the aquarium
experience with a behind-the-scenes tour or even a group sleepover.”
This year, visitors can “travel” to Baja California by way of Monterey
in the aquarium’s new special exhibition, “¡Viva Baja! Life on the Edge.”
Visitors will examine the unique and fragile communities that thrive where
coastal deserts meet sapphire seas, and they’ll encounter an amazing
array of tropical fishes and several iconic desert animals—a first at the
aquarium.
Another unique exhibition is “Tentacles: The Astounding Lives of
Octopuses, Squid and Cuttlefishes,” which is the largest, most diverse
live-specimen exhibit about these creatures.
To learn more about the aquarium, visit montereybayaquarium.org, or
contact Shipley at [email protected].
CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART
BEAUTIFUL BOTANICAL GARDENS
Nestled among Tennessee’s rolling hills eight miles west of downtown
Nashville, Tennessee, is Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum
of Art. The 55-acre historical estate is home to art exhibitions and
spectacular botanical gardens enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of
visitors each year. Each season showcases something special, from
150,000 blooming bulbs in the spring to more than a million holiday
lights in the winter.
Cheekwood offers students and other groups a unique blend of
world-class art, beautiful gardens and fascinating history. The estate
has 12 diverse gardens, including perennial, herb, water and Japanese
gardens, and a sculpture trail featuring native plants and trees in an
area once overwhelmed by invasive honeysuckle.
Starting in 2017, visitors can learn more about Cheekwood’s role as
a premier example of an estate from the American Country Place Era.
“With the reopening of the Cheek mansion next year, Cheekwood
will reclaim its origins,” said Laura Elkins, the attraction’s director of
tourism. “Built in 1929 as the home of the Cheek family, who amassed
their fortune through business ventures that included Maxwell House
Coffee, the mansion will be restored with furnishings and décor
representative of the original period. Visitors will see rooms that have
never before been on public view.”
To celebrate, Cheekwood is hosting “Dressing Downton: Changing
Fashion for Changing Times,” presenting 36 period costumes from
“Downton Abbey.” The exhibition opens in June 2017.
For information about educational programs, tours and resources,
contact Elkins at [email protected], or visit cheekwood.org.
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