First Sunday of Every Month The Jacksonville Herpetological Society meets in the Wells Fargo Conference Center at MOSH from 2-5 pm. (Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles.) The JHS meeting usually consists of a guest speaker, a question and answer forum, and a raffle. Speaker topics vary, and first time guests are free to attend. Museum of Science and History, www.themosh.org
Through August 31, 2014 Uncovering the Past: New Archaeological Discoveries of Northeast Florida – MOSH is proud to present this new exhibit in partnership with the Timucuan Trail Parks Foundation. The fields of archaeology, history, science, and land preservation merge to reveal a comprehensive look at American Indian life both before and after European contact in what archaeologists call the St. Mary’s Region. Museum of Science and History, www.themosh.org
January 11 Green Revolution Opening Join MOSH for the public unveiling of Green Revolution: REnewed. Features a living room made out of pallets and will serve as a conversation area. An innovative temporary museum exhibit that provides families with easy, environmentally responsible lifestyle changes. Unlike most traveling exhibitions, it has virtually no carbon footprint. Participating museums receive the necessary design files and instructions digitally, allowing them to construct their very own home-grown eco-zibit from re-used, recycled materials within their local community. MOSH, 396-7062, www.themosh.org
Jan 11 Hike along the trails of the University of North Florida Wildlife Sanctuary and see the lovely vistas that abound in this special natural area, including gopher tortoise nests. Hike for about 2 hours (4 miles) at a moderate pace. Meet in the parking lot at the west entrance to UNF about a half mile east of 9A. Bring repellent and water. Children capable of hiking for 3-4 miles are welcome. No pets. RSVP Bill Armstrong, armsfam@yahoo.com, 904-880-7702. Go to florida.sierraclub.org/Northeast/calendar for details and directions.
Jan 16 Beneficial Bats: Their Role in Ecosystem Health discusses the many benefits of bats, from insect control to seed dispersal. Bat species account for 20% of the mammals on Earth, but they are misunderstood and often vilified, falling victim to myth and superstition. This program dispels these misconceptions and pays special attention to Florida’s bat species and the profound contributions they make to healthy ecosystems, including cave environments, coastal habitats, forests, wetlands, and our own backyards. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet live Florida bats. This is a very popular public meeting. No RSVP or reservation is required. 6:30 pm, Regency Square Public Library at 9900 Regency Square Blvd., ixia.fnpschapters.org
Jan 18 Do your birdwatching at Ft. Clinch State Park. Target birds that we may see are the Purple Sandpiper, Red-breasted Merganser, 2 species of Loons, Northern Gannet, and Bonaparte Gull. Dress warmly. Meet at the entrance to the Pier. Leader: Caroline Wyatt, 904-261-9272. 10:30 am-5 pm, www.duvalaudubon.org
Jan 18 Let’s hike the Stokes Landing Conservation Area. This three-mile hike features beautiful, old oaks, a variety of wildlife and several opportunities to view the Tolomato River. Stokes Landing has a picnic area and an observation tower. Located just north of the St. Augustine airport, it is an easy drive from Jacksonville and St. Augustine. An entry-level hike open to hikers with little to no hiking experience and in good physical condition. Bring water, snacks, and bug-spray. Wear walking shoes. Please be prompt so we can get started on time. Note there are no restrooms. Children are welcome, but please no pets. Please RSVP/contact Outing Leader Ken Fisher, 904-210-7765 or kpf1965@gmail.com. Go to florida.sierraclub.org/Northeast/calendar for details and directions.
Jan 20 Meet Merlin the Barred Owl at the Duval Audubon Society’s Owl Encounter. Meet Merlin, a real, live barred owl who was injured and now lives permanently with former City of Jacksonville naturalist Lesley Royce. Learn about the amazing qualities of these mysterious birds of prey. Listen to owl calls and learn to identify which owl is in your backyard. Photo opportunities will be available with Merlin. 7:30 pm, Swaim Memorial United Methodist Church, 1620 Naldo Ave, www.duvalaudubon.org
Jan 22 The Duval County Extension Office is offering a Make-and-take Rain Barrel Workshop. Attendees will make their own 55-gallon plastic rain barrels to take home. You will learn how to connect a rain barrel to a rain garden and learn some important information on water conservation. Pre-payment and registration required. Register with credit card at http://rainbarrelworkshop12214.eventbrite.com. $45. 1010 N McDuff Ave. Jacksonville, Fl.
904-255-7450.
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