North Carolina State Symbols Day at Charlotte Nature Museum
Saturday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
July 11, 2011Charlotte, NC –From the vast marshlands of the coastal tidewater area to the lakes of the Piedmont and the mountains of the Appalachian regions, North Carolina’s natural treasures and cultural heritage make up a state that is like no other. Official state symbols play an important role in spotlighting what is so special about North Carolina — and you might find a few symbols in your own backyard! Celebrate what makes the Tar Heel State unique at Charlotte Nature Museum’s July Creature Feature: North Carolina State Symbols Day, on Saturday, July 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Have you ever heard of a plant that eats meat? In fact, carnivorous plants aren’t just found in science fiction movies — they actually exist! Our carnivorous state plant, the Venus fly trap [Dionaea muscipula], is a “meat-eating” plant native to the bogs and swamplands of North and South Carolina that uses a sticky, sweet-smelling substance and special trigger hairs to capture and eat insects. The Eastern box turtle [Terrapene carolina carolina], North Carolina’s official state reptile, is the only land turtle found in the state and uses an innate homing instinct to return to its place of birth.
Sniff out one of the most athletic, courageous canines around. The Plott hound [Canis lupus familiaris], the official state dog, was bred in the North Carolina mountains by German immigrant Jonathan Plott around 1750 as a hunting dog and is the only breed to have originated in North Carolina. A special furry visitor, Lucky, a Plott hound, will ‘paws’ for a special meet and greet with visitors.
You might even be snacking on state symbols—strawberries [Fragaria sp.] are the official state Red Berry and blueberries [Vaccinium sp.] are the official state Blue Berry. Learn fun facts about these symbols, meet the living species that symbolize our state and more while finding out about the important characteristics that make each of North Carolina’s state symbols so meaningful.
Tails will wag for a special story time all about the official state dog at 11:30 a.m., featuring the title “Lucky’s Plott” by Libby Bagby, and don’t miss the puppet show “Growing Up Wild”. Trail’s End Store will offer state symbol-themed gifts including Venus flytraps, Audobon cardinal birds, bird identification guides, and turtle and squirrel storybooks.
Creature Features, presented by Earth Fare with support from The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum, are monthly special events and include crafts, puppet shows, storytelling and refreshments (while supplies last). Creature Feature activities are free with Museum admission. Admission: $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two and Members are free. Parking is free. Charlotte Nature Museum is located at 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte. Hours are: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday noon – 5:00 p.m.; and closed on Monday.
Charlotte Nature Museum offers visitors the chance to get close to wildlife and walk among free-flying butterflies in Butterfly Pavilion, observe live animals in Creature Cavern, buzz by Insect Alley or just hang out in Our Big Backyard. Visitors can learn together during workshops, summer camps and more. Daily programming including hands-on activities provide the opportunity for structured learning and informal play for kids of all ages. Charlotte Nature Museum is operated by Discovery Place, Inc.
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