MONDAY, MARCH 21 – SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016
BEST BETS
MUSEUM RESEARCHERS SEEK CITIZEN SCIENTISTS TO AID IN OBSERVATIONS — Each day, regular people are observing the natural world, collecting data and assisting researchers and scientists with discoveries. UA Museums staff members hope to use that knowledge. The Moundville Archaeological Park Biodiversity Survey and The University of Alabama Campus Biodiversity Survey are two data collecting projects recently created on iNaturalist, an online social network of naturalists, citizen scientists and biologists built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe. All participants need is a camera and an enthusiasm for discovery. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA media relations, at 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA EXPERT TIPS
UA MATTERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW DIETARY GUIDELINES — The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently debuted after its last update in 2010. Though the previous guidelines focused primarily on individual components, the newest 2015-2020 edition provides five broader guidelines that take into account that consumers’ food and nutrition choices are affected by a variety of factors and thus attainable by an adaptable framework, says UA’s Sheena Quizon Gregg in this week’s UA Matters. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA media relations, at 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA MATTERS: TRANSITIONING BACK TO WORK AFTER BABY — Returning to a job after giving birth can be an extremely emotional and trying time for a working mom. Dr. Laura Bloom offers some suggestions on what moms can do to help ease some of the pressure during this transition. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA media relations, at 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
EVENTS
NEW PROGRAM INVITES YOUNG EXPLORERS TO DELVE INTO NATURAL WORLD – The Alabama Museum of Natural History launches its Junior Naturalist program Saturday, March 26. The program runs from 10 a.m. to noon and is open to third- through sixth-graders; cost is $8. Participants will learn how to identify area trees, learn to recognize animal tracks, discover the importance of insects that live in the water and generally become familiar with nature. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA media relations, at 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
PREHISTORIC TEXTILES FOCUS OF MOUNDVILLE PARK PROGRAM – Muscogee basket maker and textile artist Mary Smith will present different prehistoric weaving techniques. She is a master basket and mat weaver who researched and rediscovered an ancient method used by Muscogees to finish their baskets using “a double false braided rim.” There will be a “make and take” weaving activity for children. The program will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at Moundville Archaeological Park. For more information, contact Kim Eaton, UA media relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.