Beautiful birds, amusing animals, fanciful fishes and natural curiosities await you in “The Art of Science, Illustrations of the Natural World: 1700-1900″ at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.  This unique collection of antique etchings and lithographs, provided by Seaside Art Gallery, will be on display at the Aquarium July through September 2009.  Featured are works by Americans foremost bird illustrator John James Audubon who work is still a standard against which bird artist are measured.  These are hand colored stone lithographs, based on his seminal work Birds of America. The show includes art by other American and European artist. The art is available for purchase directly through Seaside Art Gallery, 252-441-5418.

Step back in time and see the natural world through the eyes of John James Audubon and artist of the period.

The period 1750-1900 was marked by great leaps in knowledge and stunning technological advances.  It encompassed the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and he climax of European imperialism.  I t was the age of Franklin and Priestly, Jenner and Pasteur, Linnaeus and Darwin, Watt and Edison, Tesla and the Curies.

The seeds of rational inquiry planted during the Renaissance blossomed into modern science, medicine and technology.  Geology, genetics, linguistics, physics, psychology, and other disciplines to shape.  Navigation, cartography, agriculture, and forestry became more science than art.  A brief account of invention in this 150-year span-Which gave the world railroads, the steamboat, the automobile, the chronometer, the telegraph, the telephone, the electric generator, petroleum distillation, for example would fill and encyclopedia, another legacy of the period.

The new branches of learning were inundated with information about the natural world from all parts of the world.  Global travel and trade brought to light countless plants, animals, landforms, water, and phenomena to be studied.

At length the pursuit of knowledge and the appreciation of nature came to be widely regarded as worthy in themselves.  Scholars turned to direct observation of plants and animals for natural history and many began to accumulate large collections of exotic specimens.  Artists would document them by creating watercolors, drawings, etchings and lithographs.  The finer detail of the printing process allowed artists to depict minute aspects of the subject.  many publications continue to use illustrator’ plates.  Illustrations produced in the 18th and 19th century are regarded as both appealing and scientifically valid.  Today scientific illustrators bridge art and science, by picking out detail and omitting the irrelevant, to make the image convey the essential attributes of the subject.

As she dons her hat and gloves, she sometimes appears to be getting ready to go on safari, but for Kathy Mitchell, horticulturist at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, it’s just another day of turning dirt and seeds into something green and beautiful.

Mitchell was recently chosen as one of many to receive the 2008 Pelican Award from the North Carolina Coastal Federation.  Receiving the Northeast regional award for conservation and restoration, Mitchell “has dedicated herself to helping restore the natural hydrology of the coast through the use of native plants and rain gardens.  Kathy has done more than anyone else to bring about the cumulative success of rain gardens to the Northeast region.  She has served as a trusted partner to the Coastal Federation in the design and installation of rain gardens throughout Manteo, including the gardens at the federations’ new office,” as was stated in the NC Coastal Federations 2009 State of the Coast Report.

Mitchell speaks to local groups about using native plants in rain gardens, wildlife habitats, and other types of home and public landscaping.  She has been the “Green Thumb” at the Aquarium for nine years and holds and annual native plant sale every October.

This was the 2nd time Mitchell has been recognized for the Pelican Award, also receiving it in 2006 for her contribution to the Manteo Middle School rain garden project.

Bruce Shwedick the Reptile Wrangler returns to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island for Reptile Week August 11-14 along with his collection of amazing reptiles for 3 shows daily.  On August 11, 12, 14, The Reptile Wrangler presents shows at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and at 3:30 p.m.   Then on August 13th shows will be presented at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for Family Fun Night.

Bruce Shewdick has been telling the story of his amazing reptiles for over 30 years.  See Myron the Tortoise, Carlos the Iguana, jade the Anaconda, Alexander the Great, a Snapping Turtle and Banana Boy the 16 foot Burmese Python.  After each show children and adults can take their picture with the Reptile Wrangler and his amazing animals.

Call 252-473-3494 to find out more about Bruce Shwedick, the Reptile Wrangler and his astonishing and entertaining reptiles.  Visit www.ncaquariums.com to find more information about this theme week and other programs offered at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

Director Joe Malat of the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is featured in the June “Meet the Director” on www.zandavisitor.com.   Malat describes his vision and reveals his passion for creating a good work environment for the staff that work at the Aquarium.  Click on this link, “Meet the Director” to read more.

Venture behind the scenes of the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit with an educator to observe one of the weekly shark feedings.  Get an up close look as all of the fishes and sharks are fed.  Learn more about shark facts and myths in an aquarium classroom while enjoying a light snack.  Due to safety issues, visitors aren’t allowed to feed the sharks.  Closed-toe shoes are required.  Cost $15; limit 10; Ages 8 and up.  Pre-registration is required by calling 252-473-3494 ext. 232 or 1-866-332-3475 ext. 232.

Enjoy this relaxing adventure at the aquarium while learning about the mysterious beach creatures of the night.  Take a walk on the beach in hopes of witnessing some animal activities.  Focus on sea turtles and ghost crabs as the beach comes alive with lots of after dark activity.  Cost $15; limit 14; Ages 6 and up.  Pre-registration is required by calling 252-473-3494 ext. 232 or 1-866-332-3475 ext. 232.

Join the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island on July 27-31 for “Shark Week.”  See divers swim with the sharks in our daily dive program at 10:30 a.m.  Free shark programs, activities, and videos will be featured throughout the day.  For a more in depth look at sharks, sign up for our “Snack with the Sharks” fee program and observe a shark feeding.  Groups may even be interested in our “Sleep with the Sharks” overnight adventure.  See an 18′ great white shark and have your photo taken by your friends in front of a megalodon shark jaw and teeth.

As an added attraction for this years Shark Week, George Powell, a fossil collector for 45 years, will display his extensive and unique collection on July 28th and 29th at the Aquarium.

For more information about Shark Week call 252-473-3494 or to sign-up for “Snack with the Sharks” or Sleep with the Sharks” fee programs contact 252-473-3494 ext. 232.

May 22nd was a wonderful day in Nags Head and Dare County.  The North Carolina Aquariums officially broke “sand” for the rebuilding of Jennette’s Pier.  Over seven years of planning culminated with Governor Beverly Perdue, Senator Marc Basnight, Representative Tim Spear and many others elected officials and local citizens turning shovels of sand to initiate this project.

Much forethought and planning has gone into this project by many individuals.  However, one individual was instrumental in preserving the property and helping lay the groundwork for the rebuilding of Jennette’s Pier.  Dr. Neal Conoley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Aquarium Society persuaded the Society Board of Directors back in 2002 that the Society needed to step up and acquire Jennette’s Pier and its accompanying property, and save it from redevelopment.  Dr. Conoley worked tirelessly to establish partnerships for the rebuilding of the Pier with Dare County and the Town of Nags Head.  He helped lead efforts to develop innovative storm water treatment applications for the Whalebone Junction area, in conjunction with the Pier project.  Dr. Conoley has continued to help guide the planning and design process for the rebuilding of Jennette’s Pier.

Dr. Neal Conoley has been a leader in the preservation and rebuilding of Jennette’s Pier for the benefit of the citizens of Nags Head, Dare County and the State of North Carolina.  We owe a collective “Thank You” to Dr. Conoley for all of his efforts.

With a gentle breeze blowing across the beach and brown pelicans soaring through the air on a picture perfect Outer Banks day, state and local officials gathered with North Carolina Aquarium directors and others to begin the construction of the North Carolina Aquariums Jennette’s Pier with a ground breaking ceremony.

After years of planning, securing funds and the signing of House Bill 628 by Governor Perdue, many in attendance a the May 22nd ground breaking seemed to share the same smile of accomplishment.  The common theme was reflected in this statement, “This is a great day for Nags Head, the Outer Banks and all North Carolinians as we break ground on the site of the original Jennette’s Pier.  70 years ago today on May 22, 1939 Jennette’s Pier opened its doors for business on this exact site,” said Division Director David Griffin.  Governor Perdue stated, “We are here to celebrate the fact that a rich part of our coastal history also will be a rich part of our state’s future.  With the construction of Jennette’s Pier, North Carolina will create 555 on-site jobs and 1,250 more off-site jobs-with an economic impact of more than $14 million.  An that’s just by building it!  When we’re finished, North Carolina will have a landmark that increases tourism, gives visitors and locals a great place to fish and take their families, and a pier that provides learning opportunities and boost beach access so more people can enjoy our wonderful coast.  This pier has been a landmark for generations, and today we’re making sure it stays a landmark for generations to come.”

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Interested in the ins and outs of the Aquarium and what goes on behind the scenes?  Become a volunteer in one of the Aquarium’s many departments and get the inside scoop on what it takes to keep animals healthy and visitors intrigued.

With the onset of the busy summer season, it’s all hands on deck.  Volunteers serve as important support staff for much of the Aquarium’s operation, but their most valuable contribution comes through their daily interactions with visitors.  Their presence makes the Aquarium a friendlier place, and their consistent dedication and warm smiles are major keys to the Aquarium’s success.

Current volunteers assist with education, SCUBA diving, horticulture and special events.  Many other opportunities are available.  If you enjoy meeting new people and are excited about learning new information and discovering interesting facts to share with others, the Aquarium could be just the place for you.  As one volunteer said, “Volunteering at the Aquarium provides food for the brain and fun for the spirit.”

For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator James Wooten at 252-473-3494, ext. 254 or 1-866-332-3474.