This past Saturday at Turtle Bay, we had the opportunity to learn from some of the professional artists featured in our latest Museum exhibit, Art and the Animal by the Society of Animal Artists.

Artifact of the Month: Betel Nut Containers

This former Mystery Object had a short run in our visitor poll. Guests selected it as soon as it was posted! These beautiful containers likely held seeds of the areca palm (Areca catechu), commonly referred to as betel nuts, in the large compartment and slaked lime in the smaller compartment.

How often do we hear the words “just for fun?” There is no “just” about it. Fun is an essential part of our development and our continuing mental health. Play is practice for, and relief from, the serious business of living. Play is an instinctive act modified by intelligence.

Our 10th annual Caffeinate for a Cause was a huge success, thanks to our amazing community! On Thursday, September 22, Turtle Bay teamed up with local Dutch Bros. Coffee locations in Redding, Anderson, and Palo Cedro to raise money for the education programs, animals, and museum exhibitions that visitors look forward to when visiting the Park.

The Plant of the Month for September is chosen by Hannah Sweeney, Turtle Bay’s Lead Gardener at the Botanical Gardens. Hannah likes that Desert Willow is drought-tolerant, can bloom all summer, and is beloved by hummingbirds.

What is an eye wash cup? An eyecup is a vessel that allows a person to quickly and easily flush out their eye when it’s irritated or dry. Eye cups fell out of favor with the advent of eye drops, but they are still used today–even after hundreds of years!

Today, everyone is dependent on forest plants to provide many of the raw materials for the manufactured products we use every day. Everything from lumber to paper to cancer treatments comes from our local forests. Now, imagine what it would be like to rely on local plants for not just food but nearly everything you to need to live and to thrive. Using Indigenous belongings from Turtle Bay’s Permanent Collection, this exhibition demonstrates how some of our local native plants are used to create the tools of everyday life.

It is with very heavy hearts that we let everyone know that we had to say goodbye to Inali, our grey fox yesterday. There will never be enough words to express our gratitude, admiration, or love we have had for Inali. She has given so much to education, the trainers, and to our guests. Our hearts are broken, but we will cherish the gifts she has given and remember her forever!

Summer is the butterfly season in full bloom! At Turtle Bay’s Arboretum and Garden’s Nursery, Senior Horticulturist and Nursery Specialist Linda Russo points out a multitude of drought-tolerant butterfly plants that thrive in our area with beautiful blooms and interesting foliage.

The Forest Adventure Playground is made possible by U.S. Bank from the Community Possible grant. This grant will support educational programs that allow children and families to play and create!

Saturday, August 20, 2022 - Walk for Wildlife 2022 was a major success, thanks to the nearly 300 participants who walked in support of the animals at Turtle Bay!

The time has come for the 7th West Coast Biennial Juried Art Exhibit! This Turtle Bay tradition is loved by many, and it wouldn’t be possible without your remarkable art submissions. We are asking artists like you to submit pieces of media that you think would make great additions to the 2023 Exhibition.

Lynne Klocke, Turtle Bay’s Nursery specialist, was asked for her choice for Plant of the Month for August: her choice is the wonderful Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia.

Most people would recognize a hand grenade from pop culture, war movies, or personal experience. They are a dangerous weapon. But don’t worry, Turtle Bay’s grenades are more than 100 years old and inert. They contain no explosives.

Turtle Bay’s beloved animal ambassador, Timber the beaver, is who Sharon Clay, the Curator of Animal Programs, calls “a gentle giant.

When asked who is her favorite plant “child” this month (having propagated thousands of plants over time), Senior Horticulturist and Nursery Specialist Linda Russo said without hesitation, “the buckwheats, the buckwheats are beautiful right now”.

Artifact of the Month: Wintu Hairpin Replicas

In 1988, the Redding Museum Board of Directors commissioned Craig Bates to create several objects for educational purposes. He based his reproductions on actual indigenous belongings and photographs from museum collections and used authentic tools, materials, and designs as much as possible. How did Craig acquire such a skill?

Redding is in one of the world’s five Mediterranean climate zones. Because of our dry summers, which all Mediterranean climates have in common, drought-tolerant plants thrive here. Many, many drought tolerant plants are also evergreen and need less maintenance, as well as less water.

With dim lights, low sound, and a relaxed atmosphere, Turtle Bay’s Sensory Hour is an event for individuals of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or Sensory Processing sensitivities and their families to experience the museum at their own pace. 

Brews by the Bridge 2022 was one for the books! Rain or shine, we all brought our A-game! With all the admission ticket sales and beer tickets sold, we were able to raise a little over $57,000, surpassing our goal for this event! All the funds are going to Turtle Bay’s world-class exhibitions, animal care programs, and blossoming education programs.