California Academy of Sciences: A Greener Future on Higher Ground
The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is home to the largest green roof in the state, an innovative and sustainable design that has transformed the museum into a thriving urban ecosystem.
A Rooftop Oasis
Spanning an impressive two-and-a-half acres, the green roof boasts a diverse array of native vegetation, including poppies, yellow tidytips, and beach strawberries. This lush landscape attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, including the endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly.
The roof’s seven layers, including 2.6 million pounds of soil and plants, provide insulation that reduces the museum’s energy consumption by an estimated 35 percent. A plastic drainage layer collects rainwater, reducing runoff and conserving water.
Natural Light and Ventilation
The seven hills on the roof, two of which have 60-degree slopes, are fitted with skylights that filter natural light to the reef and rainforest exhibits below. These skylights also vent warm air, creating a comfortable environment for the museum’s inhabitants.
A Unique Perspective
While visitors cannot walk on the green roof, they can enjoy close-up views from the rooftop observation deck. Here, they can hear the chirping of crickets and witness the busy activities of pollinators.
The Emily Dickinson Museum: A Literary Legacy
In Amherst, Massachusetts, the Emily Dickinson Museum explores the life and work of the enigmatic poet. The museum houses a collection of photographs, scrapbooks, and replicas of Dickinson’s manuscripts and letters.
Visitors can also see the typewriter used by Mabel Loomis Todd, Dickinson’s editor and the center of a family feud over the publication of Dickinson’s poems. The museum offers a glimpse into the solitude and creativity of one of America’s most influential poets.
Elvis Presley: Private Presley
Graceland, Elvis Presley’s Memphis mansion, is hosting an exhibition that marks the 50th anniversary of Presley’s military service. “Private Presley” showcases the singer’s fatigues, footlocker, ration cards, and other Army memorabilia.
Photographs and films document Presley’s time in the Army, from his induction to his honorable discharge. The exhibition highlights Presley’s determination to prove himself and his commitment to serving his country.
The Crooked Road: A Musical Journey
Every Friday night in Floyd, Virginia, the town comes alive with music as locals and visitors gather at the country store and on the street to enjoy gospel, bluegrass, and other homegrown music.
Floyd is a stop on the Crooked Road, a 250-mile musical heritage trail that celebrates the rich musical traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can experience the vibrant musical culture and the sense of community that defines this charming town.