"The IN THE DARK exhibit is perfect for introducing the New Frontier Gallery as a customized expansive space where fun, engaging, experiential exhibits change every few months as part of our resolution to always give visitors something new and fresh at the Preserve," said Aaron Micallef, Springs Preserve Education Programming Supervisor. "IN THE DARK is the first of many exhibits that have been chosen to compliment the weekend classes, activities, tours, live animal shows and demonstrations with topics changing at the start of each month."
Roam a nocturnal forest past glowing mushrooms, bobcats, owls and other night creatures to learn how plants and animals adapt to the darkness. Discover the amazing underground worlds beneath your home and backyard in the "Darkness Within the Soil" realm where the complex interaction between the world above and the world below is exposed. Fragile cave ecosystems form a labyrinth of adventure where the natural processes that create open and "closed" cave systems are examined, each with their unique, varied organisms. Take the plunge deep into the world's oceans and experience the differences and similarities between two deep sea environments with different ecosystems, organisms and methods for survival. The "Darkness and Humans" area looks at human interactions and cultural interpretations of night and dark ecosystems throughout history, and how observing adaptations made by organisms in the dark have furthered technology in the areas of sonar, radar and image enhancers. The history of making light and the effects of using artificial light in environments that should be dark are also explored.
This phenomena-driven exhibit takes visitors through a variety of comprehensive scenes to discover how darkness has intrigued and influenced humans for thousand of years, and how we can help preserve fragile worlds without light. Learn about these dark places and the life forms that inhabit them through a combination of whole-body walk-through dioramas, and hands-on electronic, mechanical and computer interactives.
This exhibit was created by and debuted at the Cincinnati Museum Center and has been on display in over 23 venues engaging more than 1 million visitors.
"IN THE DARK" is made possible in part through the generous contributions of Barrick Gold Corporation.
333 S. Valley View Blvd.
(at Meadows Lane, between Alta Drive and U.S. 95)
WHEN: February 5th through May 15, 2011
Located three miles from the famed Las Vegas Strip, the Springs Preserve is a 180-acre national historic site featuring botanical gardens, trails, historical structures, restored wetlands, wildlife exhibits, a child’s play area and a 1,800-seat amphitheater. Indoor experiences include galleries dedicated to showcasing art and travelling exhibitions of local and national significance, on-site technologically advanced learning center and interactive museum exhibits, and the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. The Springs Preserve also hosts seasonal special events including concerts, arts shows and holiday experiences. General admission cost for Nevada residents is $9.95 for adults, $8.95 for students, seniors, teachers and military, $4.95 for children ages 5 – 17, kids 4 and under are free. Value Memberships are $25 for individuals or $60 for a family, which includes annual access for two adults and all dependent children under the age of 18 within the same household. Donor level memberships are also available. Memberships are good for one year from the date of purchase and include additional benefits outlined on the Springs Preserve website. Admission for nonresidents adults is $18.95, $17.05 seniors, students and military, $10.95 for children ages 5 – 17, kids 4 and under are free. Cost for admission to special events and classes vary. Visit springspreserve.org or call 702-822-7700. Follow us on-line via Facebook/Twitter/