Museum Collections Make Headlines in Science 

The world is changing—fast. Our future depends on understanding our past.

Natural history museums around the world have joined forces to assess and map their collective 1.1 billion specimens in storage—the first step of an ambitious plan to inventory the global collection. This unparalleled effort includes 73 museums in 28 countries—including The Nat. 

In a new paper published last Friday in the prestigious journal Science, The Nat’s President and CEO Judy Gradwohl and former VP of Science & Conservation Dr. Michael Wall joined more than 150 international authors to make the case for improving collections care, digitization, and data access for all. 

When museums coordinate efforts, share information, and make their specimens more accessible, our global collection becomes ever more relevant to the future of humanity and biodiversity. This study was picked up by news organizations around the world, including including the New York Times, Science X, and The Independent. 

Read the New York Times story

Ecosystems Don't Stop at Borders

Why should research and conservation?

The Border BioBlitz is right around the corner—it occurs throughout April, with a public event at Border Field State Park next Saturday, April 8. Why is cross-border collaboration important? The Nat’s Dr. Michelle Thompson and her colleague in Mexico, Dr. Mariana Delgado Fernández, explain why a holistic approach is crucial to the future of our region.

Check it out

Why Attend Our Biodiversity Symposium?

Hear from previous attendees.

We are a couple of weeks away from our annual State of Biodiversity Symposium! We are so excited to welcome biodiversity lovers and give you a chance to hear from experts in the field, including keynote speaker Dr. Jennifer Norris.

Listen to a few past symposium attendees about their experience and why they think this event is so important. 

Buy your ticket

By The Way

-Welcome, spring breakers! We’re open seven days a week this week and next (including Wednesdays when we’re normally closed). See you soon!

-A few spots remain in our summer camps for grades 6-8. Register now before they’re gone.

-Huxley the Harris's Hawk and his handler, Bob Gordon, hang out in Unshelved 10 AM–2 PM on most first and third Saturdays of every month! Be sure to stop by and say hi next time you visit. 

-You still have some time to spot gray whales passing through our coastal waters.