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Photo featured in the exhibit: "Paradise Lost: Climate Change in the North Woods"
Photo by Jeff Richter
Geologist Bryan Shuman, featured in the exhibit: "Mysteries in the Mud: Climate Change in the Big Woods"
Photo by Amy Berg
Globe featured in the exhibit: "Paradise Lost: Climate Change in the North Woods"
Created by Bonnie Peterson
Explorer Will Steger
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EXHIBITS & RELATED PROGRAMS
Paradise Lost: Climate Change in the North Woods
February 16–April 11, 2008
Free with museum admission
Climate change is leaving its mark on every environment and ecosystem in the world. But what are the specific challenges facing our northern climate? In May 2006, a group of scientists and artists from the University of Wisconsin, Madison joined forces to investigate the ways in which a warmer climate could significantly alter our unique northern ecosystem. This exhibition explores the roots of climate change, the distinct beauty and functionality of northern climates, and what actions we can take—both individually and collectively—to preserve the environment we call home.
Opening Reception for Paradise Lost
Saturday, February 16, 2008, 7–9 p.m.
$10, free for Bell Museum members
A presentation by Paradise Lost exhibit collaborators from the University of Wisconsin, Madison: Dolly Ledin, Center for Biology Education, and David Mladenoff, Forest Landscape Ecology Lab. The event will also feature exhibit artists Mary Burns (fiber) and John Bates (poet) of Manitowish, Wisconsin, and musician Frank Montano of the Red Cliff Band of Chippewa. The program begins at 7 p.m., followed by light refreshments, music, and an opportunity to speak with the artists and scientists.
For advance tickets call 612-624-9050.
Mysteries in the Mud: Climate Change in the Big Woods
February 16 through April 11, 2008
Free with museum admission
Minnesota’s Big Woods has thrived for hundreds of years in a region dominated by prairies. University of Minnesota geologist Bryan Shuman is discovering that changes in the climate a long time ago may have given trees an advantage over prairies. Tag along into the field and then enter a research lab to discover climate change clues in the layers of mud from the bottom of a lake.
GALLERY TALKS
Exploring Paradise Lost: Exhibit Walkabout
Sunday, March 30, 2–3 p.m.
Wednesday, April 2, 12:15–1:15 p.m.
Free with museum admission
Tour Paradise Lost with artist and University of Minnesota professor Christine Baeumler and with University of Minnesota Professor Emeritus of Ecology Ed Cushing. Together, they will offer their reactions to the show and invite your comments and questions.
Bell Dioramas Walkabout: Three Viewpoints
Thursday, February 28, 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 1–2 p.m.
Free with museum admission
The Bell dioramas are treasures famous nationally for their beauty and overall quality. When the museum moves, their context and content will change. Take this opportunity to explore them informally and in detail with experts Don Luce, curator of exhibits at the Bell Museum, Rob Silberman, University of Minnesota associate professor of art history, and Andrea Stanislav, University of Minnesota assistant professor of art.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Focus the Nation (Live Webcast)
Wednesday, January 30, 7 p.m.
Bell Auditorium, Free
This national, interactive webcast will feature Stanford climate scientist Stephen Schneider, sustainability expert Hunter Lovins, and green jobs pioneer Van Jones. Following the webcast the Bell Museum and University of Minnesota partners will present a panel discussion on local climate change solutions.
Focus Minnesota: An Evening with Will Steger
Thursday, January 31, 6 p.m.
First Avenue, Minneapolis, Free
On January 31, Focus Minnesota will inspire Minnesotans to discuss global warming solutions. Part of the national teach-in effort “Focus the Nation,” the evening will feature a presentation by explorer Will Steger. Sponsored by the Bell Museum, the Will Steger Foundation, Focus the U, and other collegiate partners.
Reflections On Our Earth
Sunday, April 20, 7 p.m.
Bell Auditorium, free with museum admission
Celebrate National Poetry Month with readings by poets from the Laurel Poetry Collective.
ADVENTURE SCIENCE
Samsam Villages and Clean Water in Ghana
Sunday, February 10, 2–3 p.m.
$7, $5 for Bell Museum members
University of Minnesota conservation biologist Nicole Benjamin will discuss her experiences in trying to improve public health in the villages of Ghana. She will address the effects of waste runoff in the water supply and discuss the complexities of balancing sensitivity to cultural traditions and to implementing modern water-quality management systems.
Listening for Frogs in Guyana
Sunday, February 17, 2–3 p.m.
$7, $5 for Bell Museum members
The South American country of Guyana may be the continent’s best-kept secret. More than 80 percent of the area is covered with forests, making it home to a wide array of wildlife. Join University of Minnesota ecologist and behaviorist Beth Pettitt as she discusses her experiences in the area, studying the intricate languages and communicative abilities of frogs.
Sak-Sak and Sing-Sing: Fieldwork in Papua New Guinea
Sunday, February 24, 2–3 p.m.
$7, $5 for Bell Museum members
Join University of Minnesota plant ecologist Wendy Clement in an exploration of Papua New Guinea—and discover traditions unlike anything found in Minnesota. Learn how to make Sak Sak, a staple food of the country, and participate in a celebration known as a Sing Sing.
10,000 Years and 50 Miles: Time Travel in Minnesota
Sunday, March 2, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
$7, $5 for Bell Museum members
Walking or driving a short 50-mile stretch in Northern Minnesota is like traveling back 10,000 years in time. Whether or not you know the area well, you will see it with fresh eyes after this entertaining and fascinating guided tour with one of the University of Minnesota’s outstanding ecologists, John Tester.
South African Landscape and Wildlife
Sunday, March 9, 2-3 p.m.
$7, $5 for Bell Museum members
University of Minnesota conservation biologist Nicole Benjamin traveled the back roads of South Africa to understand the shifting distributions of two Wildebeest (Gnu) species and the effect of changing landscapes on these animals. Join her for an entertaining peek at the life of a biologist.
CAFE SCIENTIFIQUE
A forum for science and culture held at Kitty Cat Klub and Bryant-Lake Bowl. Come early for a good seat and enjoy happy-hour specials.
Is Minnesota at a Climate Crossroads?
Tuesday, January 15, 7 p.m.
Bryant-Lake Bowl, Uptown, $5–10 (pay what you can)
Over the past ten years, winters in Minnesota have been milder than average. Many climate models predict that this trend will continue—a local example of the rise in world temperatures known as global warming. What will warmer winters and earlier spring thaws mean for Minnesota’s natural landscape? Join the Bell Museum for a discussion about how these changes could affect our state’s ecology, culture, and economy.
The State of Our Climate: Policy and Global Warming
Tuesday, February 12, 6 p.m.
Kitty Cat Klub, Dinkytown, Free
How will Minnesota lawmakers address the problems caused by fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions? Last spring Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty asked more than 50 environmental, business, and community leaders to propose climate change solutions for the state. This month the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group will make its recommendations, which will be presented to state legislators for consideration. Join members of the group for a lively discussion on policy making and climate change.
Global Warming and Environmental Equality
Tuesday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Bryant-Lake Bowl, Uptown, $5–$10 (pay what you can)
The environmental impacts of global warming are felt by communities worldwide—from droughts and floods that disrupt food systems to the rising sea levels that can displace entire populations. But will global warming disproportionately affect poorer, less developed nations and communities? How might discussions about global warming and political or economic development take this imbalance into account? Join speakers from the Headwaters Foundation for a discussion about global warming and environmental equality.
Fueling the Future
Tuesday, April 8, 6 p.m.
Kitty Cat Klub, Dinkytown, Free
Despite evidence of global warming and its environmental impacts, our demand for energy is steadily rising. In order to address the problem we will need not one but many solutions—from cleaner, more efficient energy sources to creative conservation efforts. A panel of researchers and business leaders will discuss possible ways that we might fuel the future, such as increasing wind and solar power and generating electricity from microorganisms found in our waste.
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