Morro Bay Museum of Natural History Celebrates "WOW!"

   Morro Bay, CA: The week between the holidays in December is a time many families look for interesting activities to share together. This year there will be plenty to choose from at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay, when the Museum celebrates a Week of Wildlife with a series of special programs and exhibits designed to please the whole family. Admission to the special events is free, although there is a $2 admission fee for adults who'd like to explore the Museum before or after a program. Kids under 17 get in free.


   WOW begins on Tuesday, December 26, with "Feet, Feathers, Feeding, and Form," as Assistant Curator Tony Krause points out different features of birds and how they help in survival, using specimens from the Museum's extensive collection of mounted birds. Starts at 11 a.m. 1 to 1-1/2 hrs.

   Wednesday, December 27. "Songs and Sounds of the Great Whales." Hear the music of the deep when Museum Manager/Park Interpreter Rouvaishyana plays recordings of different species of whales and describes some of the amazing findings of researchers on whale "language." 11 a.m. About 1 hr.
   At 2 p.m, Puppeteer Linda Winters, Storyteller Dick Evans, and Friends will present a puppet show about our wildlife relatives. This program is especially suitable for younger children. 45 min.

   Thursday, December 28, will be "A Day to Drive You Buggy" when entomologist Dennis Sheridan displays some truly amazing insects and discusses where and how they live, and more. 11 a.m. 1-1/2 to 2 hrs.
   At 1 p.m. learn "How to Build an Insect Collection" as Sherri Hayes and the Estero/Morro Bay 4-H Club demonstrate how to pin insect specimens for an educational or display collection. 1 hr.

   Friday, December 29. "Bugs and Bugs." More insect mania! Docent Louise Abbott will illustrate the fascinating world of bugs and provide a craft project to go with the program. 10:30 a.m.
   At 11 a.m., Kristi Krutsinger of W.H.A.R.- that's the Wolf Hybrid Adoption and Rescue organization-will bring two live wolf hybrids to the Museum Auditorium for a program on breeding and caring for these handsome and interesting animals.
   At 2 p.m. the puppets will return with another show and more stories about wildlife, presented by Puppeteer Linda Winters and Storyteller Dick Evans. Good for the younger set. 45 min.

   Saturday, December 30. "Sea Otters and Elephant Seals." WoW winds up with talk about a local wildlife favorite, the sea otter, and its much larger marine cousin, the elephant seal. Docents Ray Easton and Dick Evans will tell all about how these animals live and where. Could be a good way to start a visit to the elephant seal rookery north of Hearst Castle. 10:30 a.m. About 1-1/2 hrs.


   The Museum has a selection of informative and entertaining wildlife videos for viewing before and after these special events. And for a list of walks and other activities in the central coast area, see the Adventures With Nature schedule for December at www.slostateparks.com or www.ccnha.com, or at the Museum.

   The Museum of Natural History is located in Morro Bay State Park, across from the golf course in Morro Bay. The front desk phone number is (805) 772-2694. Open hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Adult admission $2, under 17 free.