Archives for November 2016

Photo Courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific

Find out how NOAA enriches life through science, from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor, to keep people informed of the changing environment around them and how to get involved.

        On Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Aquarium of the Pacific will host the 10th annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) interactive event. This year’s theme is “Social Media for Social Change” to highlight how these tools can push us to be better stewards of the ocean and climate. Learn firsthand how NOAA enriches lives through science in Southern California by exploring some of the many activities planned:

• View a live tornado and learn about weather forecasting;
• Taste high-quality sustainably farmed tuna;
• Watch demonstrations of remotely operated vehicles;
• Take home a “Seeds for Salmon” kit;
• View an ocean observing system buoy;
• Become a citizen scientist, and take a “selfie” pledge;
• and try on a survival suit and respond to a mock oil spill.

The public can talk in person with marine biologists and oceanographers while they learn about ocean habitat conservation, weather warnings, safe and sustainable seafood, ocean exploration, marine mammal strandings, and endangered species.

Learn more about NOAA and its efforts to protect the ocean, predict changes in the atmosphere, provide information about climate change, and impact everyday lives of people through science, service, and stewardship at the Aquarium during NOAA Day. In addition, representatives from NOAA’s National Weather Service will use the state-of-the-art technology NOAA Science on a Sphere®, located in the Aquarium’s Ocean Science Center, to visually demonstrate our weather and climate in near-real-time using satellite data, prediction models, and other data.

WHEN:           Saturday, November 12, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:            Included with general admission: $28.95 adult (12+), $25.95 senior (62+), $14.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members.

PUBLIC

INFO:              (562) 590-3100 or http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/noaa_and_our_planet_day/

NOAA:            NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. For more about NOAA visit http://www.noaa.gov/ or facebook.com/NOAA.

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AQUARIUM:  The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. Programs for adults include Aquatic Academy evening courses in current ocean issues, the ongoing Guest Speaker Series, and visual and performing arts events. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the Molina Animal Care Center, Shark Lagoon, and Horses and Dragons and Vanishing Animals exhibits. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. The Aquarium has won a 2015 Travelers’ Choice Award for Aquariums, as awarded by TripAdvisor® travelers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits.

For the first time ever, Descanso Gardens, the iconic L.A.-area botanic garden, will be bathed in gorgeous color when “Enchanted: Forest of Light” debuts. For 43 nights, starting Nov. 25, 2016, Descanso’s hallmark oak trees and botanic collections will be the stars of this brand new, exciting holiday season light show event.

Lightswitch®, an industry leader in creating high-impact theatrical and environmental light effects, is creating 10 unique lighting experiences that illuminate some of Descanso’s most beloved locations, including the Japanese Garden and the Camellia Forest. Visitors will stroll along a one mile walk through the Gardens to see these large-scale light displays, three of which will be interactive, allowing visitors to manipulate the lights and sounds.

Highlights include “The Pool,” an interactive light sculpture by artist Jen Lewin in which people manipulate colors by walking over lighted pads, and the “Symphony of Oaks” which invites visitors to manipulate the sounds and lights in the Oak Grove. The walk concludes with a spectacular light display in Descanso’s iconic Japanese Garden, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. And the evening isn’t complete without a stop for hot cocoa (or an adult beverage) and dinner or a snack along the way.

Tickets are currently on sale and are $28 for adults, $24 seniors 65 and older and children 3-17; free for children 2 and under. Tickets are sold in advance and online at enchantedla.com.

Descanso Gardens anticipates 100,000 visitors will attend “Enchanted: Forest of Light.” This multi-generational experience, designed to delight all ages, will be presented daily starting Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m.“Enchanted: Forest of Light” will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Find information and watch a preview of “Enchanted: Forest of Light” at enchantedla.com. Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. For information, call (818) 949- 4200 or visit descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Credit: Descanso Gardens.