We Love PBS! – paulspreshistoricpark.com

PBS is featuring “Walking with Dinosaurs” currently free for streaming. This is a great series that visits various dig sites with paleontologists making discoveries. As the fossils are revealed, incredible recreations of the Dinosaur in its environment and what its story could have been are told. PBS has many other programs that might interest you. You may even consider a PBS membership to unlock a variety of other shows.

Visit your nearest National History Museum. They frequently have movies about Dinosaurs, some are even in 3-D! Your local Libraries may have Dinosaur Programs on DVD’s that you can check out. View your Library’s Calendar for other great events.

At the end of April, I attended a workshop by the UC Master Gardener program. Hardening Your Home was the Topic, which means fireproofing your home and landscape. I have been consumed with this subject. May & June have resulted in 7 large dumpsters of plant and tree materials being hauled away. It seems like it’s never ending, but I feel confident I’ll finish in July, at least with what needs to be removed.

Initially I was very concerned about what the Park would look like. Would I just have a dirt lot? The truth is I will have a much better looking Prehistoric Park when finished. More Importantly safer! Climate Change has increased extreme weather conditions everywhere. Removing the lower branches on trees, spacing of shrubs and plants and keeping your property clear of dead plant materials can make your home and neighborhood safer. Check out the link below for ideas. Search online for events in your area. Visit your Fire Dept’s, Water Company’s and Library’s websites.

https://ucanr.edu/statewide-program/uc-master-gardener-program

Climate Change caused by the Chicxulub Asteroid 66 million years ago wiped out the non-bird Dinosaurs. This was Earth’s fifth major extinction event.

I have managed to squeeze in a couple activities around the fire prevention project. May 17^th & 18^th Celebrated The Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fair Grounds, which was pretty Sweet! It’s always fun checking out the imagination & creativity bursting from the Arts & Crafts area. So many wonderful paintings and photos that look as if you can walk right into the scene. Check out Artist David Ebner at www.davidebner.com I found the framed crafts using stones, shells, feathers, leaves, twigs and other organic materials amusing and inspiring. Scenes of family, pets and nature were beautifully portrayed with these items. It’s particularly fun to find Dinosaurs and Dragons from Bath Bombs at Lemon & Lei (lemonandlei.com) to creations recycling metal parts.

I was especially impressed by the work of Filip Vogelpohl of www.boiseartglass.com His marble creations were inspired by the galaxies in marbles from the MIB Movie. The Galaxy, Vortex and Cosmic Marbles are Fascinating! They provide the perception of depth and a world beyond the confines of the glass. You really need to see them in person to truly appreciate. The Cosmic are my Favorites!

I finished my visit with the pile as high as you can Strawberry Shortcake. I enjoyed it in the company of other festival goers with great conversations.

And it wouldn’t be June without Dinosaur Dads. We are looking forward to creating more activities for Dinosaur Dads in Art.

Meet Us in Person at the Chatsworth Public Library in July!

On Saturday July 26th

Join Me & one of the Prehistoric Pals at the Chatsworth Library

for a Fun Facts & Fiction Presentation

followed by a “How to Draw Dinosaurs” Activity

Stay Tuned for More Dinosaur Fun Facts, Fiction & Crafts!

Consider a Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. Below are 3 of my favorites Museums. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site. Look for Gnatalie the Green Dinosaur!

The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.

Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.

Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Here are four books for Drawing Dinosaurs that you might find at your Library. Ask your Librarian about others.

1-2-3 Draw Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals A step by step guide by Freddie Levin (2001)

Draw 50 Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals by Lee J. Ames (1977)

Draw it Dinosaurs by Patricia Walsh (2006)

I Can Draw Dinosaurs by Terry Longhurst (2003)