The Great Migration Celebration
Sunday, January 6 from 10 am - 5 pm
Only one month and six days remain before the Academy's Howard Street museum closes permanently at 5 pm on January 6. Celebrate the end of one chapter in the Academy's history and the beginning of another with a day of festivities, including presentations about the new Academy, arts-and-crafts for kids, and a special toast. After Howard Street closes, the Academy will begin "The Great Migration" to its new facility in Golden Gate Park, which opens to the public in fall 2008.

Looking for a Unique Gift this Holiday Season?
Consider giving your friends and family a one-year gift membership to the Academy! Though the Howard Street museum closes on January 6, members can still enjoy lectures and an exclusive preview of the new building next fall. You can also give directly to the Academy in honor or memory of a loved one. If you're looking for more traditional gifts, try Maatiam - you can shop at over 200 online stores, and a percentage of your purchases will benefit the Academy at no extra cost to you.

Chief Marin: Leader, Rebel, and Legend
Tuesday, December 4 at 2 pm & 7:30 pm
Did you know that Marin County is named after a Coast Miwok chief from the 1800s? In this lecture, anthropologist Betty Goerke will use mission records, diaries, and letters to piece together a fascinating portrait of Chief Marin, the local Native American leader who defied Spanish rule and fought to preserve the Coast Miwok way of life. A book signing will follow the lecture. $8 admission; takes place at 875 Howard Street. Visit the Lectures page for details.

New Academy Update
The first inhabitants of the new Academy will soon move in - corals and rainforest trees. This month, the 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef tank will be filled with saltwater for the first time, in preparation to receive the first of over 1,500 live coral colonies. Also this month, five trees currently growing in Florida will be shipped to San Francisco in a climate-controlled truck, and then lifted into the four-story rainforest dome. Once inside, the trees will bask in 75% humidity and a constant temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here to learn more about the new Academy.

Are you passionate about penguins? Enthralled with entomology? Captivated by comets? Put your passion to work in the new Academy as a volunteer on the public floor, in the aquarium, or in research. Click here for details.

Once a month, Academy eNews brings you the latest at the California Academy of Sciences: events, updates, and fun science facts. Want even more news and benefits? Become a member today!