The Cal Poly Humboldt Natural History Museum will present “Discovery Day” Saturday, Dec. 2, from noon to 4 p.m.

“Discovery Days are one of the many events the museum offers to bring science, education and fun to the community,” said Vanessa Blot, a herpetologist and reptile/amphibian conservationist who serves as outreach coordinator for the museum, which through its collections, exhibits and programs aims to inspire an understanding and appreciation of the dynamic natural world. The museum also provides a learning laboratory for Cal Poly Humboldt students and regional K-12 students and teachers.

“NHM offers Discovery Days by bringing together our staff, interns and volunteers — both students and community members,” Blot said. “The NHM has many Cal Poly Humboldt student interns from across several different majors who work with NHM staff to create exciting and fun activities to engage our community in these days of exploration. This gives students an opportunity within the community to gain experience and further their passions in science education.”

Saturday’s family friendly Discovery Day will feature nature-themed crafts and activities, including rock painting and candle making (accompanied by a lesson in bees and how they make wax).

“Another fun station will be ‘What Makes a Fruit?’ — how do fruits develop from flowers? Look at what makes a fruit qualify as a fruit according to botanists,” Blot said. “Learn about the process of pollination, the function of a seed and how angiosperms and pollinators developed together. There will be one example of each fruit cut in half with two/three/four kinds of ink available. Guests can print a flower/shape/abstract design by doing a ‘block print’ from their favorites of the fruit samples while making great holiday cards.”

Children will also have the chance to play a conifer-matching game and explore the roles of leaves while doing leaf rubbings and making pine cone creatures, as well as experiencing hands-on encounters with reptiles and amphibians, including a corn snake named Oreo on loan from California Reptorium.

“The museum through many connections in the community will often have live animals to help inspire a love for nature and animals,” Blot said. “A hands-on experience with these animals will often inspire children to become better stewards in the future and ignite a passion for conservation and future education. For example, while holding or searching for a frog, they will learn that amphibians are indicator species and learn about their important role in their environment and why conservation is needed. Also, handling a bearded dragon or gecko is just fun.”

Discovery Days — which feature different themes each time — are just one way the museum educates and informs folks about the importance of people’s connection to nature.

“Our connection to nature is important, not only for the future conservation of our planet and species, but science has shown that our connection to nature also boosts other important health benefits: reducing stress, improving memory and having significant physical and mental health benefits,” Blot said. “Studies have shown that being in nature, living near nature or even viewing nature in painting and videos can have positive impacts on our brains, bodies and feelings. Being in nature for adults and children alike fosters our passion and our primal need to explore. John Muir, one of our country’s most famous naturalists and conservationists, once said, “‘in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.’”

The Natural History Museum is located at 1242 G St., Arcata. Admission for Discovery Day is $5 general and $3 for members. (Adults accompanying kids are free.) For more information, go to https://natmus.humboldt.edu/.