California Academy of Sciences
March 2004 Calendar of Events
Courses, Programs and Lectures

The California Academy of Sciences is currently closed to the public in Golden Gate Park. The Academy will open May 1, 2004 at 875 Howard Street. In the meantime, the Academy is offering a limited schedule of courses, programs and lectures. Check each listing for program locations. The Academy is rebuilding in Golden Gate Park. The Academy will return to a new building in Golden Gate Park in 2008.

Monday, March 1, 7:30-9 p.m.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Since the mid-1990s, astronomers have detected more than 100 planets orbiting nearby stars. How do these planets form? Is our solar system unusual? Why didn't the first stars in our Galaxy have any planets? What are NASA's plans for the next generation of planet searches? Pre-registration recommended for this Benjamin Dean Lecture with Debra Fischer, Ph.D. 7:30-9 p.m.; For tickets call (415) 750-7141; $3; This lecture will be held at the:
Jewish Community Center of SF
3200 California Street at Presidio Avenue

Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Secret Birding Spots: The City's Southeastern Shore
Explore this hidden birding site that, despite having a greater species diversity than Crissy Field, hasn't received as much attention as its wetland counterpart across the city. Instructed by birder Alan Hopkins. Field Trip Suitable for Ages 15 and Up-Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; $30 To register call: (415) 750-7100.

Monday, March 8, 2 & 7:30 p.m.
The Journey of Man
Spencer Wells, Ph.D.
Showing how the secrets of human evolution are hidden in our genetic code, Dr. Wells reveals the ways in which developments in the revolutionary science of population genetics have made it possible to create a family tree for the whole of humanity. Replete with marvelous anecdotes and remarkable information, from the truth about the real Adam. and Eve, to the way differing racial types emerged, The Journey of Man is an enthralling, epic tour through the history and development of early humankind.
2 & 7:30 p.m.; (415) 750-7128; Tickets $8; This lecture will be held at:
Zeum Theater
221 - Fourth Street at Howard, San Francisco

Friday, March 12, 8 p.m.
Barry Lopez
Nature writer, essayist
Light Action in the Caribbean - Arctic Dreams - Of Wolves and Men - About This Life
Join us for an intimate evening with Barry Lopez, an extraordinary writer and imaginative storyteller. Lopez shares his insights on mankind in the natural landscape and society's need to reconnect with the natural world. Lopez is the recipient of the Literature Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the John Burroughs Medal, Guggenheim and Lannan fellowships, Pushcart Prizes in fiction, and other honors. 8 p.m.; (415) 750-7128; Tickets $8; This lecture will be held at the:
Jewish Community Center of SF
3200 California Street at Presidio Avenue

Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. to Noon
Free Birdwatching for Kids
Search for birds in Golden Gate Park, and learn about what to look for or hear when identifying birds in the field. Wear warm clothing in layers, walking shoes, and don't forget to bring your binoculars and water. Ages 8 to 12. 10 a.m. to Noon. No reservations required. Meet at the Academy back entrance at Middle Drive Rd. Call (415) 750-7143 with questions. FREE. Rain cancels.

Thursday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Species Diversity in Human Evolution
Leakey Lecture with Fred Spoor, Ph.D.
Human evolution has often been portrayed as a single succession of fossil species culminating in the emergence of modern humans. However, research during the 1990's has demonstrated that from about 2.5 million years ago, multiple, contemporary species evolved. Join Dr. Spoor, professor of evolutionary anatomy at University College London, as he discusses how new fossil finds from Kenya support this scenario, and even extend the time back further to 3.5 million years ago. 7:30 p.m.
(415) 750-7128; Tickets $8; this lecture will take place at the:
Jewish Community Center of SF
3200 California Street at Presidio Avenue

Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m. to Noon
Free Birdwatching for Kids
Search for birds in Golden Gate Park, and learn about what to look for or hear when identifying birds in the field. Wear warm clothing in layers, walking shoes, and don't forget to bring your binoculars and water. Ages 8 to 12. 10 a.m. to Noon. No reservations required. Meet at the Academy back entrance at Middle Drive Rd. (415) 750-7143. FREE. Rain cancels.

Sunday, March 28, 10 a.m. to Noon
Free Family Discovery Hike
Take a winter walk around Golden Gate Park and look for salamanders, frogs, millipedes, birds and more. Wear warm clothing in layers, walking shoes, and don't forget to bring your binoculars and water. Ages 8 and up. 10 a.m. to Noon. No reservations required. Meet at the Academy back entrance at Middle Drive Rd. call (415) 750-7143. FREE. Rain cancels.

The California Academy of Sciences, including Steinhart Aquarium and the Natural History Museum, is open to the public at 875 Howard Street. Admission to the Academy at 875 Howard Street is: $7 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with valid ID, $2 for children ages four to 11 and children ages three and younger will be admitted free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. www.calacademy.org (415) 750-7145

The California Academy of Sciences, the fourth largest natural history museum in the US, is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum. The Academy is beginning an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. Pritzker prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is designing the new Academy, which is expected to open in 2008.

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