National Aquarium

Trivia alert! ?? Test your fellow dendrophiles’ (tree-lovers) knowledge with these facts for the International Day of Forests! ?? Forested watersheds supply fresh water to more than 85% of Earth's major cities. ?? Over five billion people around the world use products originating from forests for food, medicine and sustenance. ?? In some countries and regions, forests provide approximately 20% of income for rural households.

We're proud to highlight four inspiring women at the Aquarium who embody this year's Women's History Month theme: "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations." ?? Behavioral Husbandry Coordinator Anaka Nazareth assists our Animal Care staff with training and enrichment programs for the Aquarium's animal residents, ensuring that they have the best possible welfare. When asked to give advice to women entering her field, Anaka said, "Take the opportunity to explore as many avenues as possible, even those that might not seem directly related to your career path. A diverse foundation of experiences will have a positive impact on your work by providing fresh perspectives, a wider range of skills, and inspiration for growth." At the Aquarium, Anaka's favorite aspect of her work is the animals. "I feel so fortunate to work at a facility with such a wide range of species. As someone who loves to observe behavior, it is extraordinary to have the opportunity on a daily basis to see animals behaving in ways that give me new insights into how they experience their world. It is also a great privilege to be able to learn about some of the animals as individuals and to use my knowledge and skills to positively impact their lives." Check back this month for more highlights celebrating women at the Aquarium!

There's still time to grab your Read to Reef bookmark this month! ?? We have some of this season’s books at our Read to Reef nook above the Pier 4 Canteen, a great place to rest during your visit. This program is for Baltimore-area children in fifth grade and younger. Learn more about the Read to Reef program: https://bit.ly/3Qua5ow

It's International Day of Action for Rivers! ?? Maryland wouldn't be the fantastic state that it is without rivers like the Potomac, Patapsco, Susquehanna and more. From habitat to industry to recreation, these rivers are vital and need protection. One of the biggest ways we can support rivers is to reduce plastic pollution and advocate for regulations. Learn about ways to get involved: https://bit.ly/41ojEdJ

Did you know the first glass aquarium was created in 1832 by Jeanne Villepreux-Power, once a French seamstress who later cataloged and studied wildlife in the Mediterranean? Her glass box design allowed for observation and experimentation, which helped her discover how the paper nautilus grows its shell. Her invention is used all over the world to this day, inspiring generations and aiding in research. #InternationalWomensDay

It’s Employee Appreciation Day, and we’re so thankful for the 345 employees and 597 volunteers who make the Aquarium’s mission possible. ?? Our staff and volunteers take on diverse roles, from exhibit design to animal care to conservation education and more. Want to join our team? Check our career and volunteer opportunities: https://bit.ly/3QJkwoA

We're proud to highlight four inspiring women at the Aquarium who embody this year's Women's History Month theme: "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations." VP of Learning and Engagement Megan Anderson oversees both our Conservation Education Department and our Guest Engagement Department. These teams coordinate on-site and off-site educational programming for school children and provide engaging, positive and conservation-focused experiences for the National Aquarium's guests. When asked to give advice to women entering her field, Megan said, "Look for employers/places of work with values and mission statements that closely align with your own. Keep an open mind toward coworkers, solutions and career pathways. Sometimes, you learn your skillsets later in your career, and those help you better understand the right role for you." At the Aquarium, Megan says she can be a "huge nerd" and be respected for it. "Whether it's wanting to learn how our minds process information so that we can better communicate conservation solutions or the intricate anatomy of a squid, I'm encouraged to understand it all." Check back this month for more highlights celebrating women at the Aquarium!

This World Wildlife Day, check out some wildlife visitors on the Aquarium's campus, from Waterfront Park to Harbor Wetland. World Wildlife Day was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, and celebrates the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES helps protect wild animal and plant species from being negatively affected by the animal and plant trade.

It's time for another season of Read to Reef! ?? Throughout March, Baltimore-area students in fifth grade or younger can stop by any Pratt Library location and pick up their Read to Reef bookmark. Once the student reads five aquatic- or conservation-themed books and records them on their bookmark, they can redeem their bookmark for up to four free tickets to the Aquarium! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Qua5ow

Explore "Tubman Country" with Chaney Dale at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester County, Maryland. Learn more about Tubman's legacy in Maryland, from her upbringing to her heroic efforts leading 70 family members and friends to freedom: https://bit.ly/4khnvSm