Collections
The CMSC houses several excellent collections directly related to the natural history of the northern great plains. Collection areas include avian and mammalian osteological specimens, insects, Several thousand bird egg specimens, an extensive herbarium collection, and fluid preserved biological specimens. The CMSC has also started to preserve and hold specimens of stretched bird wings.
The collections held by the CMSC Museum are available by appointment to visiting researchers and other interested individuals or groups.
Exhibits
The Cyril Moore Science Center has many displays throughout the halls of the science building, including exhibits of both natural history and scientific research currently underway in the Division of Science. Exhibits include an Ordovician fossil display, with thanks to AUGITE for procurement of specimens, several mineral and rock sphere collection displays donated by Helen and the late Dr. William Hurly, a saltwater aquarium, and many taxidermy mounts of regional bird species.
Research projects on display include both student and faculty research. The CMSC is open for viewing September through May during normal school hours of 8am to 4 pm.
Links
These are some good links to various pages dealing with natural history collections and specimen identification keys.
- Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections
- The Coleopterists Society (Extensive beetle related links)
- www.bugguide.net (Identify bugs)
