For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
Leigh Kish
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
(412) 622-3361
KishL@CarnegieMuseums.org

June 10, 2009

Powdermill Nature Reserve to Display
Art for Nature’s Sake: Duck Stamps and Wetland Conservation
June 20–August 30, 2009

Rector, PA…Powdermill Nature Reserve, the biological research station of Carnegie Museum of Natural History, is pleased to announce the traveling exhibition Art for Nature's Sake, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of one of the country's most successful conservation programs—the Federal Duck Stamp Program. The exhibition, organized by the Cincinnati Museum Center, will open on June 20, 2009. The Federal Duck Stamp program has generated millions of dollars for the procurement and conservation of wetland areas.

On view will be 36 signed waterfowl prints and accompanying US postal stamps, created by noted nature artists like Maynard Reece, the Hautman brothers, John Ruthven, Nancy Howe, Adam Grimm, and many others. Included in the exhibition are the first installment of stamps issued by the government in 1934, featuring mallards, and the 75th Anniversary commemorative stamp, featuring pintails. Panels exploring the diversity of wetlands and existing threats appear alongside these striking works of art.

The initial purpose of the duck stamp program was to protect wildlife that inhabits wetlands; the program later developed to include the procurement and conservation of wetlands. Wetlands are a vital part of the earth's natural processes, and are also home to a vast array of amazing plants and animals. The exhibition will acquaint people with one proven strategy of preserving wetlands with the hope of inspiring visitors to help protect these fascinating and important environments.

Powdermill Nature Reserve
Located in Rector, Westmoreland County, Powdermill was established in 1956 and is Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s biological research station and nature education center. Powdermill sustains and protects a variety of natural habitats where researchers and educators study ecological processes. It is also home to one of the longest continually running avian research stations in the United States. Visitors of all ages come to gain a greater knowledge about the natural world through innovative and exciting educational programs and exhibits. More information is available at www.powdermill.org.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, is ranked as one of the top five natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of 21 million objects and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. More information is available by calling 412.622.3131 or from the Web site, www.carnegiemuseums.org.

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