JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and its Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will host the annual NatureFEST on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, organizers said.
Organizers describe NatureFEST as a festival, nature outing and museum experience designed to encourage exploration and hands-on learning. Visitors can expect live animal encounters, demonstrations and opportunities to interact with museum scientists throughout the day.
“NatureFEST is one of our favorite days of the year,” Museum Director Angel Rohnke said. “It is an incredible opportunity for families to connect with Mississippi’s natural world in fun, memorable ways and to see firsthand how science, conservation and discovery all come together here at the Museum.”
Activities will include animal presentations from Wild Acres, Freedom Ranch and the Hattiesburg Zoo, fish feedings in the museum’s aquariums and access to exhibits such as “Giants of the Ice Age.” Guests can join interactive programs, watch artist Ellen Langford at work and meet author Kay Meadows.
The event will feature plant sales from Camp Creek Native Plants, local vendors and food trucks, including Skenny Burgers, Gator’s and Mo’Betta Desserts; food and vendor purchases are not included with admission. General admission is $9 for adults, $7 for youth ages 3 through 18 and $8 for seniors ages 60 and older; admission is also included with Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation membership. The day begins with the Buffalo Peak Outfitters Hoka 5K Hike/Run, which requires registration and includes admission to NatureFEST. The museum is at 2148 Riverside Drive in Jackson and offers exhibits and programs focused on the state’s natural heritage year-round.
