MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Ward, Butler (38th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Longwitz, Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS' AWARD-WINNING MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE ON THE OCCASION OF ITS TWO-MILLION VISITOR LANDMARK CELEBRATION AT NATUREFEST! 2014.
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' Museum of Natural Science recently surpassed the two-million visitor mark since opening their LeFleur's Bluff Park location in March of 2000; and
WHEREAS, in honor of this milestone, a special celebration will be held at the Museum on April 5, 2014, during the annual "NatureFEST!" event. Every family visiting the Museum will receive a free poster and a chance to win Museum Memberships and other prizes throughout the day. "This celebration gives us the opportunity to thank our visitors and supporters. We are delighted that our visitors continue to look to the Museum for entertainment, education, and recreation and that many think of this special place as their own," explains Museum Director Charles Knight; and
WHEREAS, in operation since 1932, the Museum continues to attract visitors worldwide, generating economic impact as part of Mississippi's tourism product while providing key education, recreation, and scientific services statewide. "The Museum of Natural Science strengthens the community, brings joy to families, inspires children to dream about their future careers, and assists teachers in bringing their classrooms to life," according to Christine Zachow, President of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, the Museum of Natural Science staff is installing enhancements to several permanent exhibits including the paleontology, black bear, salamander, and bird-watching exhibits, and a new, small aquarium housing chambered nautiluses, starfish, and sea urchins. This spring, the Museum will offer three exciting temporary exhibits: "Nature's Numbers," "A Forest Journey" and "Animal Grossology." Upcoming special events include: teacher and family workshops, monthly natural science lectures, NatureFEST!, summer camps, International Migratory Bird Day, and Snake Day. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Native Plant Garden and nature trails or take part in guided tours. Aquatic adventurers can take a canoe down the Pearl River with John Rusky of the Quapaw Canoe Company; and
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science has been recognized as the City of Jackson's and the State of Mississippi's "Travel Attraction of the Year," as a Travel Treasure by AAA Southern Traveler magazine, and as a Family Favorite and Best Museum by several local publications; and it is with great pride that we join the citizens of Mississippi in celebrating this important milestone in the development of an award-winning Mississippi institution which is part of the fabric of the Capital City and the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' Award-Winning Museum of Natural Science on the occasion of its two-Million Visitor Landmark Celebration as part of NatureFEST! 2014, and extend our best wishes to the staff of this successful Mississippi institution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Museum Director Charles Knight, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and the Governor, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.