Illustration by Julio Lacerda. From the book “Spirit Whales & Sloth Tales,” published by University of Washington Press.
Are you a grownup “dinosaur kid?” Or, are your kids? Join us for this unique event as IslandWood celebrates the geological forces that shaped the biodiversity of our home here in Washington.
In the newly released Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales: Fossils of Washington State, published in partnership with the Burke Museum, renowned paleontologist Elizabeth A. Nesbitt teams up with award-winning author David B. Williams to offer a fascinating, richly illustrated tour through more than a half billion years of natural history. IslandWood is so grateful to welcome David back for another engaging author’s lecture, complete with Q&A!
In this lecture, the spectacular paleontology of Washington is brought to life with details of the fossils’ discovery and extraction, their place in geological time, and the insights they provide into contemporary issues like climate change and species extinction.
Our educators have fun activities planned for you as well, including making a shark tooth necklace, digging for fossils, and making your own fossil imprint art. A local fossil hunter is also bringing his private collection of fossils, some that were found right here on the south end of Bainbridge Island!
THINGS TO KNOW
- This event is indoors in our beautiful Great Hall. Activities will be in our Welcome Center.
- Due to the content and pace of this program, we are listing the suggested age of participation as 7 years and up. The author lecture will appeal to adults and older children who have an interest in paleotology, fossils and geology. The activities will be geared for families, but all are welcome to participate!
- Please remember our campus policy is ‘no dogs unless they are a service animal.’
- We love sweet endings to our events at IslandWood and are planning a small menu of confections to fit the theme!
We’re looking forward to seeing our friend, naturalist and fellow educator, David B. Williams back at IslandWood for his new book release! David will stick around to sell his books for anyone interested, and to answer questions for all ages about what he’s learned about paleontology in Washington State. The co-author, Elizabeth Nesbitt is traveling and unable to attend, but sends her best wishes for our event! Click here to learn more about David B. Williams. He also has a great newsletter you can subscribe to!