The Nat Blog

While it may look like drawers of dead plants and animals, our collection is very much alive with information critical to the future of our region, and indeed, human survival on the planet. When museums coordinate efforts, share information, and make their specimens more accessible, our global collection becomes ever more relevant to the future of humanity and biodiversity. Read more.


Los enfoques de investigación y conservación geográficamente limitados nos dan una perspectiva incompleta que nos lleva a una solución incompleta. Si bien existen desafíos para la colaboración transfronteriza, también sabemos que funciona. La Dra. Mariana Delgado Fernández y su colega en San Diego, La Dra. Michelle Thompson, explican por qué un enfoque holístico es crucial para el futuro de nuestra región. Read more.


Research and conservation approaches that are geographically limited give us an incomplete picture that will lead us to an incomplete solution. While there are challenges to cross-border collaboration, we also know that it works. The Nat's Dr. Michelle Thompson and her colleague in Mexico, Dr. Mariana Delgado Fernández, explain why a holistic approach is crucial to the future of our region.  Read more.


Kate Stephens was not only the Museum's first paid employee, but she also retired with more years of service to the museum than any of her peers. Her legacy lingers on in our collections, archives, and ethics today. Read more.


In celebration of their 50 year anniversary, we sat down with three Canyoneers, Daniel, Maritza, and Samantha, to discuss the value of time spent in nature, favorite spots around the county, and dreams for the next 50 years.   Read more.


Apprentices in the Research Library are digitizing a hidden collection of glass plates that’s almost a century old. This project will convert a relatively unknown collection of historic photographs into a valuable historic resource that’s accessible to people worldwide.  Read more.


Building Exhibitions, Sustainably

Posted: December 29, 2022

We have always sought out earth-friendly materials when creating experiences for our visitors. But Expedition Baja’s conservation focus made it even more important to keep these practices top-of-mind. From the flooring to the UV-shielding skylights, sustainability was a driving force behind the exhibition’s development.  Read more.


Birding in San Diego is like a party that lasts all year. But winter is when San Diegans celebrate our feathered friends with festivals, holidays, and opportunities to contribute to bird-centric science. Here are four ways to love and learn more about our region’s beautiful birds. (No birding experience necessary!)  Read more.


An arctic sea duck bone turned up in a Kumeyaay midden during an archaeology dig, 10 miles from San Diego's coastline. Let the head scratching begin. Read more.


Paleontologists describe new species of sabre-tooth false-cat, showing early evolution of carnivores during time of global climatic instability.  Read more.