Published: March 29, 2008 07:28 pm      

Wildlife Day at the Arboretum

PICAYUNE — Crosby Arboretum’s Wildlife Day proved to be a day full of exotic adventure and discovery. Young people from area schools descended on the Arboretum by the bus load and, by 10:00 a.m., more than 700 area students had arrived to partake of the festivities.

One could not escape the excited voices of children screaming about the turtles in the pond, or squealing with delight over discovering a new plant.

In the pitcher plant bogs, one young man excitedly reported his findings — a Sundew — a plant used in homes of early settlers to act as a fly trap. The student was just as thrilled over finding that elusive native plant, as he was about seeing the live reptiles.

“We are having tons of fun,” said Gail McMillian, Nicholson Elementary Navigator Math Tutor. She was there with several of her students who were constantly peering over the edge of the pond to look for turtles and fish.

Arboretum volunteers and staff were in perpetual motion, making sure the guests were well attended.

Hosting the event were a variety of organizations who brought in various wildlife exhibits, insect collections, watersheds, and a fly fishing demonstration.

Wildlife Day is just one of the many popular events which take place throughout the year at the Crosby Arboretum. A plant sale is being held at the Aboretum today, Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the next big celebration will be the Strawberries and Cream Festival, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 6. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about these and other events at the Arboretum, visit the website at www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu., or call 601-799-2311.