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JACKSON, MS – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ (MDWFP) Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (MMNS) invites you to join a distinguished lineup of experts as they share their latest research at the 2026 “First Tuesday Noon Lecture Series”. Held February through October, the hour-long lectures are included with Museum admission or MMNS Foundation Membership.
February 3: “Rediscovering a Southeastern Endemic Plant: The Importance of Independent Curiosity, Field Work, and a Diversity of Taxonomic Techniques”. Dr. Mac H. Alford will share the story of how unusual spurge plants in Mississippi were ultimately recognized as a new species occurring infrequently throughout the southeastern United States. This work highlights the unrecognized diversity that may be overlooked and the collaboration needed to solve species problems.
March 3: “Host Fish and the Parasitic Life Cycle of Freshwater Mussels”. Freshwater mussels are a highly imperiled group of organisms with a unique life cycle. Join Dr. David Ruppel and Ashley Ruppel for a discussion that will expand on the reproductive biology of freshwater mussels, describe intricate host attraction strategies, and explore the ecology of host fish relationships.
April 7: “Landscaping for Hummingbirds”. Dr. Mark W. LaSalle will show you how to make your home landscape a beautiful haven for hummingbirds by incorporating native plants that feed them throughout the year.
May 5: “Connecting Children Through Nature: Programs at The Crosby Arboretum”. Join The Crosby Arboretum Education Coordinator, Kathryn Jeffers, to discover how the Arboretum is helping children build meaningful connections with the natural world through educational programs, nature-based activities, community initiatives, and cognition science which helps students connect emotional and learning experiences through the Arboretum’s new therapeutic and sensory garden.
June 2: “‘Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!’ – A Bestiary of Mississippi’s Ice Age Animals”. Nearly one hundred species of animals are documented among the ‘Ice Age’ (Pleistocene Epoch) fossils held in the state fossil collection housed at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and even freshwater invertebrates. Join the Museum’s Paleontology Curator, George Phillips, for a discussion of these fossils and the species, or species groups, that are both extinct (no longer living) or extralimital (no longer living in Mississippi).
July 7: “All About the Birds and the Bees”. Avid beekeeper and passionate birder, Dr. Jeff Harris shares his journey in reconciling a lifelong affection for honeybees with a deep commitment to native wildlife, each playing an important role in sustaining broader ecosystems including the survival of songbirds.
August 4: “(Un)Lighting the Way: The Effects of Light Pollution on Migratory Birds”. With growing urbanization comes an increase in light pollution, caused by outdoor light at night which affects the migratory patterns of many bird species. Dr. Murry Burgess highlights current research on how birds navigate increasingly brighter nightscapes and what we can do to help them on their journeys.
September 1: “Ecology and Origins of the Gecko Adhesive System”. Gecko adhesive toe pads are an exciting example of biological nanotechnology. Using a combination of live and museum specimens, lab and field data, and high-resolution imaging techniques, Dr. Travis Hagey will investigate patterns of trait development, biomechanics, and ecological morphology.
October 6: “Isn’t there a Book? Someone Ought to Write a Book! The Trials and Tribulations of Writing a Book About Mississippi Snakes”. Terry Vandeventer, reptile expert and founder of The Living Reptile Museum Educational Productions, will explain the process of producing the book, “MISSISSIPPI SNAKES: Their Identification, Natural History, and Influence on the Culture of the Magnolia State”.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM: MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, located at 2148 Riverside Drive in Jackson within LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, inspires visitors with wildlife exhibits, aquariums, nature trails, and scientific collections representing the state’s natural wonders. Admission: $9 for adults, $7 for youth ages 3-18, and $8 for senior citizens ages 60 and up. Learn more about Membership at www.mmnsfoundation.org. Plan your adventure: 601-576-6000 or www.mdwfp.com/museum. Follow: facebook.com/msnaturalscience and instagram.com/mssciencemuseum.
