In love with nature
February is full of special occasions. This month we mark International Day of Women of Girls in Science, Darwin Day, Valentine's Day and, for some provinces in Canada, Family Day.
The museum remains closed until further notice, but we continue to offer engaging online content, such as our Virtual Open House series. View new videos on our Youtube channel. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Discover more on nature.ca.
Lichen Love
International Day for Women and Girls in Science
February 11
A few years ago, Hayley Paquette, currently a Ph.D. student with Memorial University, found this lichen-covered, heart-shaped sandstone in southeastern Alberta. The lichen was growing in full sun in a very dry environment. With the principle of “take only photos, leave only footprints”, the rock was left in place. Based on the conditions in which the lichen was found, Hayley, along with our museum lichenologist, Dr. Troy McMullin, suggest that it’s likely a Caloplaca (Fir Dot Lichen). Hayley completed her Master’s degree while working with Troy through the museum’s scientific training program. As we mark the contribution of women in science, enjoy her presentation about lichens from our 2018 Ignite event.
Virtual Open House video series
Darwin beetles
With a little detective work and original field notes from the historic Voyage of the Beagle, Research Assistant Andrew Smith, Ph. D., was able to determine which beetles (on loan from the Natural History Museum in London) were collected by the renowned naturalist, Charles Darwin.
Special talk
Darwin Day
February 12, 3 PM EST
In honour of Charles Darwin’s birthday, a few experts from Canadian natural history museums are gathering virtually to celebrate the famous naturalist and discuss “adaptation superstars”. Our own Paul Sokoloff will talk about an organism that can be found all over the planet, from Axel Heiberg Island in Canada’s High Arctic to Antarctica. This species is so tough, it can survive being thrown out an airlock and stuck to the side of the International Space Station without any protective gear. As Paul says, “let’s see your average astronaut do that!” Register in advance to find out the identity of this mystery species, and BYOC (bring your own cake).
Boredom buster
Create a snowfall painting – a Winterlude activity
Get artsy and create your own snow-inspired painting with salt and a few other simple materials. Enjoy a brief video, download the instructions and also learn why snowflakes are so cool. This craft is part of the official online Winterlude activities this year. Check out them out at https://bit.ly/3jvkUp2
Heart-warming
Personalized pavers in our Landscapes of Canada Gardens
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. This year, make a romantic gesture that will truly last. Carve your love on a Steps Across Canada paver in the Landscapes of Canada Gardens.
Natural Valentines
Heart-shaped specimens
February brings Valentine's Day, abundant heart motifs and the exchange of romance-themed gifts. Nature bestows some lovely offerings as well. Enjoy these heart-shaped specimens from our collections. The above mineral is cerussite from Touissit, Oriental Region, Morocco (catalogue CMNMC57411, Pinch Collection). The right-hand image shows two seaweed species collected in Barkley Sound, British Columbia: delicate sea lace (Microcladia coulteri) on the top right of a cordate blade seaweed. Cordate is the botanical term for “heart shaped”. Delicate sea lace is a favourite of collectors for its beautiful patterns.
Editor: Laura Sutin
Questions or comments can be sent to lsutin@nature.ca
Photos:
Mittens and snow: pixabay.com
Lichen-covered sandstone: Hayley Paquette
Cerussite: Michael Bainbridge © Michael Bainbridge
