Latest news with #Wilded
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Experience the wild up close at this portable Natural History Museum in Visakhapatnam
At the edge of a garden in Visakhapatnam, a carpenter bee once drilled a perfect circular hole into an old log of wood. This tiny act of wild engineering caught the attention of naturalist and educator K Vimal Raj. Today, that very log, complete with the bee's handiwork, is an exhibit at the Natural History Museum by Wilded, a nature education group he founded. It sits on display not behind glass, but where it can be touched, turned, and observed, a tactile reminder of how Nature's stories are all about the little details. A few feet away, a large, umbrella-shaped mushroom (Ganoderma species) found at the King George Hospital in the city takes its place beside a table full of seeds – long, oval, spiked, winged – each one a potential lesson in plant life, adaptation, and survival. Bird nests with delicate weaving, starfish specimens, spider molts, and rocks of various textures and colours complete the visual and tactile landscape of this unique museum. But unlike traditional museums rooted in brick and mortar, Wilded's Natural History Museum is a place-based portable experience. It can be set up in living rooms, apartment community halls, classrooms, and gardens, wherever curious minds gather. At a recent session hosted in the open space of a residential society in Visakhapatnam, children and adults stood wide-eyed, leaning in as Vimal explained the story of each specimen: the lifecycle of a spider, the importance of decomposers, the shape of seeds and how they travel, and the hidden science in a feather. 'This isn't just about looking at Nature,' says Vimal Raj. 'It's about noticing the everyday lives of creatures around us and understanding that everything is interconnected.' The museum, he says, is built on that sense of wonder. 'We want participants to become familiar with lives that share their spaces, to observe a nest, a spider web, a fallen leaf and ask questions.' Curated in collaboration with environment groups like Wildlife Conservation Through Research and Education, East Coast Conservation Team, and independent science researchers in the city, the museum includes contributions from all walks of life. The initiative is supported by Youth Conservation Action Network (YouCAN), a non-profit that aims to place an Earth educator in every school and learning space in India. While the pilot project has taken root in Visakhapatnam, the organisers plan to take the portable museum to other cities eventually. The relatively young museum has exhibits that date back millennia, especially the rocks collected from different geological pockets of the region. 'For a keen observer,' Vimal says, 'Nature speaks through tracks and signs. That's how this museum was born. From fallen feathers, rattling gulmohar seed pods, skin sheds of snakes and spiders, and the dozens of little things we often overlook. Each object tells a story. Together, they can spark scientific curiosity, discussions, and even myths and folktales. Everything that helps children and adults reconnect with their immediate natural surroundings.' The museum's sessions are interactive and the sessions are about an hour long. Children are invited to gently handle the specimens under supervision, examine them under magnifying glasses, ask questions, sketch their observations, or simply sit and wonder. The exhibits go beyond natural artefacts; they also include terrariums, samples from local food systems, and curated displays on sustainability and climate change. Rachita Gupta, who attended a recent session with her two sons, says it was a magical experience. 'The interactive display of preserved insects and plants sparked so much curiosity, respect and appreciation for Nature. The kids were fascinated with the spider specimen, the way its delicate body was preserved. It sparked discussions at home about spider webs and their patterns. The mushroom was another favourite; its sheer size and umbrella-like structure was something we had never seen before,' says Rachita, describing the session as informative as well as immersive. 'We came away looking at trees, soil, fungi, and even insects very differently,' she adds. The museum now invites support to grow further. The programme is looking for help from curators, who can assist in collecting, organising, and curating various verticals of the museum, and contribute to its design and pedagogy. Nature educators are encouraged to join the initiative and engage participants through the exhibits while building a broader curriculum that links climate and Nature education. The museum programme also welcomes partnerships with schools, learning centres, conservation NGOs, and other organisations working in the space of science and Nature education to build a collaborative, evolving museum that is rooted in a place and is full of life. The Natural History Museum is, at its heart, an invitation to slow down, notice, and engage. And since it is portable, it can be set up in a school, a park, a home, or a workplace. 'It's a reminder,' says Vimal, 'That Nature is everywhere, and learning about it should not be restricted to textbooks or occasional field trips. This museum brings the wild closer to wherever people are.' Schools, community groups, and companies interested in setting up a session with the museum can reach out to Wilded at 7330880274.
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
City Nature Challenge 2025 in Visakhapatnam: Join the biodiversity hunt with iNaturalist
Visakhapatnam is all set to join a global celebration of curiosity and conservation as the City Nature Challenge (CNC) 2025 kicks off from April 25 to 28. A worldwide citizen science event powered by the iNaturalist app, this initiative invites Nature lovers, from school kids to seasoned wildlife watchers, to turn into biodiversity detectives for the four days of the initiative to document and protect urban biodiversity. All you need is a smartphone, a curious eye, and a bit of time outdoors. 'Participants can upload any observation from their surroundings, be it fungi on a damp wall, a spider web on a balcony, or trees in your neighborhood park,' says K Vimal Raj of Wilded, one of Visakhapatnam's Nature education organisations. 'This initiative is critical in mapping the biodiversity of a region and many times leads to interesting discoveries, like a first-time record of a plant or animal species from the city. From a broader perspective, it helps to understand the effects of climate change better.' Along with Wilded, environmental champions like Wildlife Conservation Through Research & Education (WCTRE), East Coast Conservation Team, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP), World Wildlife Fund for Nature (India) and other Nature groups are rallying for citizens to step outside and document the natural world that often goes unnoticed. Vivek Rathod of WCTRE will be taking a group of participants to the Fishing Harbour on Friday morning for a guided walk from 8am to 8.45am as part of the City Nature Challenge. IGZP had conducted an orientation session earlier on how to take part in the CNC. Throughout the three days of the event, zoo education team will be assisting participants to clock their observations in the iNaturalist app. How to participate Participation is simple. Just download the iNaturalist app, check if your city is part of the challenge, and start clicking. Whether you spot an insect or the same crow that visits your windowsill each morning, every observation contributes to a growing global database that helps researchers, conservationists, and policymakers understand the planet's shifting biodiversity patterns. When photographing a plant for the iNaturalist app, capture multiple angles and details for taking clear shots of the flowers, leaves, stem, and even any visible fruits or buds. These features help in accurate identification. There is no upper limit to the number of observations, and this year, the organisers are upping the excitement with digital participation certificates. Anyone who submits over 500 observations with more than 50 unique species between April 25 and 28 will receive a digital badge of honour.
The Hindu
24-04-2025
- The Hindu
Fun, learning and adventure: Top summer camps in Visakhapatnam for children
From observing the shapes of leaves on a sunny trail, mastering the swirls and strokes of calligraphy, to stepping into a new sport and finding their voice as young orators., this summer, Visakhapatnam is bursting at the seams with exciting camps for kids. With summer vacation rolling in, here is a hand-picked list of summer camps for the curious and creative minds. BookMagic Library BookMagic Library is rolling out a slew of camps, from karate and Nature workshops to public speaking, handwriting, art and craft and chess. The library in association with Wilded is hosting a workshop for little explorers to step into the shoes of a Nature scientist. Through engaging games, imaginative arts and crafts, and hands-on Nature activities, children will discover the magic of the outdoors while developing a keen, inquiring mind and a deeper appreciation for the environment around them. BookMagic is also hosting a Karate camp in association with Modern Martial Arts Academy at Lawsons Bay Park. Jaya Siva Murty, author of The Curse of the Vedic Code, will be hosting a story-writing workshop for children at the library. The summer camps are on from April 28 onwards at the library at Lawsons Bay. To register, call 8520005444. The Little Orators The Little Orators is hosting a six-day communication skills workshop for children aged nine to 11 years from May 1 to 7. Designed to build confidence and fluency in expression, the workshop brings together fun, learning, and the art of speaking with purpose. Spearheading the sessions is Deepti Rathi, a communication coach, who will guide the children through a curriculum that covers presentation skills, expressive speech, group discussions, listening comprehension, storytelling, and interactive icebreakers. Through group exercises and individual tasks, children will learn to structure their thoughts, express opinions clearly. The workshops are being held at Hotel PL Grand. For details, contact 8297211007. Eco summer camp This summer, let children explore the wonders of Nature at this workshop. Bhoomi is hosting a hands-on Nature camp starting April 28, designed to connect children with the earth in creative ways. From making a mini herb garden and crafting birdhouses out of upcycled materials to creating seed paper and learning the art of sustainable living, the camp is packed with eco-friendly adventures. Each day is a new discovery, encouraging children to not just learn about Nature, but to actively protect and celebrate it. Adding a magical storytelling touch, the sessions will transport kids through the journey of a leaf, explore the importance of soil conservation, and introduce them to the rich musical traditions of tribal songs. A special introductory session in semi-classical music will also be held. The camp will be held at Iksa Play School, Yendada, from April 28 to May 9. For details, call 9390170209. Greendale summer camp Get ready to leap, glide, groove, and create! Dive into fun and learning at this summer camp at Greendale School, Madhurawada, offering a mix of outdoor thrills and indoor fun. From throwball, volleyball, basketball, athletics, skating, horse riding, cricket, western dance, and taekwondo to indoor sessions in calligraphy, yoga, chess, western music, art and craft, and swimming, there's something for every child to discover, enjoy, and excel in. Additionally, there will be a special activity every Friday for participants. The timings of the camp are 6.30am to 10.30am. The summer camp will be held five days a week and will be on till May 24. For details, call 9346237922. Helen O' Grady This summer, Helen O'Grady school is rolling out a new camp themed 'Secrets of the World' for children aged seven to 11 years from May 12 to 31. The camp dives into some of the planet's most intriguing mysteries, from the towering pyramids of Egypt and the lost city of Machu Picchu to the enigmatic Easter Island, the glowing world of bioluminescence, the eerie Bermuda Triangle and the magical Northern Lights. With a blend of hands-on learning and interactive discovery, children will explore these global marvels through crafts, science, and storytelling. A drama session titled 'The Curse of the Pharaoh' will held at the end of the camp, where participants will bring ancient Egypt to life through performance, character play and imagination. The summer camp will be held at its centre at MVP Colony, near Ushodaya Junction. For details, call 9000231400.
