Skip to main content

Return of the Wild: A Lewis and Clark Wildlife Resurvey

Date: Thu, Oct 8, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Venue: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh

Price: Free

Category: Science

Two hundred and twenty years after Lewis and Clark documented the animals of the west in their journals, we retraced their route with camera traps to find out what we lost, what's still there, and what it took to save America's wildlife. Dr. Roland Kays, head of the Biodiversity Research Lab at NCMNS and professor at NC State University, will share the story of his team's expedition across the United States in this special lecture event. Doors open at 6:30PM. The lecture begins in the WRAL 3D Theater at 7PM. This event is free and open to the public. More info: https://ncmns.net/return-of-the-wild

Science · Raleigh

Return of the Wild: A Lewis and Clark Wildlife Resurvey

Arrive by 6:30 PM when doors open to secure seats together in the theater.

When
Oct 8
Thu, Oct 8, 2026
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Free
ncparksfree

Return of the Wild: A Lewis and Clark Wildlife Resurvey is a free science lecture detailing a modern expedition that retraced the historic trail to document changes in American animal populations. Dr. Roland Kays will share photos and stories from his team's journey using camera traps to see which species survived and what it took to protect them. Doors open at 6:30 PM at the WRAL 3D Theater, and the presentation starts at 7:00 PM. This program is best suited for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and parents who enjoy history and conservation. You do not need tickets, but arriving early ensures your group gets seats together. Street parking is free in downtown Raleigh after 5:00 PM, or you can use the Green Square parking deck on Edenton Street. This event makes a smart Thursday night outing for families with older kids who want to connect their school history lessons with real-world scientific research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this event suitable for young children?
This is a seated lecture in a theater, so it is best suited for middle school students, teenagers, and adults who can sit quietly for ninety minutes.
Where should we park for the museum lecture?
You can park in the Green Square Deck at 120 West Edenton Street, or look for free street parking along Jones Street and Salisbury Street after 5:00 PM.
Do we need to register or buy tickets in advance?
No registration is required. This presentation is entirely free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 8

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Return of the Wild: A Lewis and Clark Wildlife Resurvey runs Thu, Oct 8, 2026, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

Getting There

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is at 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, Raleigh, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and water bottles — this one's outdoors
  • A blanket or low chairs for staking out a spot

Science Guides

All guides →