Media contact: Mary Alice Rogers Marketing Director 704/866-6923 maryalicer@cityofgastonia.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2008 -- Live alligators, snapping turtles, a curious young raccoon, a furry baby bobcat, a massive Burmese python and other swamp inhabitants take over The Schiele as the museum opens its featured exhibit, Swamp Things!, on July 4. In addition to seeing and learning about more than 50 live swamp animals, amphibians, reptiles and carnivorous plants, visitors will learn about the importance of this wet habitat, how animals and plants adapt to their muddy environment and the impact of human activity on swamps.
Visitors who ÒbraveÓ the museumÕs dark, mysterious exhibit will step into an immersive experience that fills the senses. From the moment they enter through a darkened tunnel, visitors will follow a boardwalk into a world dappled with sunlight, draped in Spanish moss and twisting vines, studded with soaring cypress trees and stubby knees and massive old-growth oaks.
Beginning July 4, museum admission, which includes entry into Swamp Things, is $7 for adults, $6 for students and seniors; $5 for adults who live within Gastonia city limits and $4 for students and seniors who live within Gastonia city limits.
This look into the primeval world of swamps includes a number of dynamic programs and field trips created to deepen visitorsÕ understanding of these important wetlands and the animals and plants that live there. Swamp Things programs are:
Live from the Swamp
July 10 – August 17
Mondays – Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 10:30
a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Meet live creatures from the swamp and discover their
amazing habits and features that help them to exist in a muddy environment.
Hands-on opportunities with some species included!
How ÔGators Feed
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., July 12 – August 14
American Alligators are amazing predators, relying on ambush
attacks and a powerful bite to surprise and overwhelm their prey. See a feeding
demonstration with live alligators and learn about their hunting habits and
tactics.
How Snakes Feed
Thursdays, 2:30 p.m., July 12 – August 14
See
venomous and non-venomous snakes from across the swamps have a live lunch.
Visit up close and personal with a harmless snake. Warning: Not for the squeamish!
MORE
Swamp Things – Page 2
Field trip opportunities are:
Southeastern Swamps: Okefenokee & The Everglades
Oct. 10 –
17
Explore the realm of the
alligator and the manatee. Discover the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
with its trembling earth, carnivorous plants and black bear. A two-day trip to
Everglades National Park includes an airboat ride as we search for birds,
reptiles and mammals. Stop by the Crystal River to swim with the manatees. Fee
includes transportation, lodging and all activity fees. Teacher renewal credit
is available. Fee: $1,095/museum
members $995.
The Congaree Swamp
Nov. 1 – 2
Known for its giant hardwoods and towering pines, the
Congaree Swamp National ParkÕs old-growth floodplain forest includes the
tallest trees in the eastern United States. Enjoy a hike through
this primeval wilderness. WeÕll be on the look out for deer, river otters,
turtles, snakes, and wild pigs. Includes overnight camping. For adults and
children ages 8 and up. Fee: $30. Registration deadline: Oct. 15.
The Schiele is
at 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., in Gastonia and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
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EditorÕs Note
Live animals featured in Swamp
Things! include: