As part of its continued emphasis on connecting kids and families with the natural world, Anythink is hosting the “Backyard Wilderness” exhibition at its Anythink Wright Farms location in Thornton, Colo., now through Friday, Aug. 24. This pop-up exhibition is produced by the California Academy of Sciences and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, the filmmakers behind the 3D IMAX film of the same name, and encourages kids to explore the world around them in engaging ways. The experience includes a scavenger hunt designed to introduce concepts of scientific exploration and observation, as well as visually compelling displays designed to entertain and educate.

To help encourage families to continue learning about biodiversity beyond the exhibition, Anythink is hosting a Colorado Day BioBlitz at Barr Lake State Park on Wednesday, Aug. 1, from 9-11:30 am. Everyone will enjoy free entrance to the park, located at 13401 Piccadilly Rd. in Brighton, Colo., as well as opportunities to learn from Colorado Parks and Wildlife specialists. At 10 am, Anythink will host a BioBlitz, where attendees can use the Seek and iNaturalist apps to identify as many species of wildlife, birds, plants and bugs as possible. The findings will help generate useful data for science and conservation efforts. A full schedule of events for the day is listed below.

“This exhibition and the Colorado Day BioBlitz are a great way to get kids and families thinking about biodiversity in a new way,” says Karina Flores, concierge at Anythink Wright Farms. “The science of nature identification and exploration can start right in their backyards, regardless of age or skills. This can spark a curiosity for lifelong observation of the natural world.”

Anythink’s ongoing commitment to nature- and experience-based learning includes its community gardens, apiaries, Explore Outdoors nature classrooms and its 2018 mySummer program, which partnered with Colorado Parks & Wildlife to encourage outdoor learning, critical thinking and exploration. Anythink also provides fishing pole kits available for check-out, and participates in the Check Out Colorado State Parks program to offer backpacks that include a parks pass, compass, binoculars and guides for discovering flora and fauna on Colorado trails. The organization believes that outdoor learning encourages problem-solving skills and healthy lifestyle habits for kids, teens, adults and families.

The “Backyard Wilderness” exhibition and Colorado Day BioBlitz event are made possible by a grant from HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, SK Films and the California Academy of Sciences. A full list of theaters screening the “Backyard Wilderness” film can be found at backyardwildernessfilm.com.

Backyard Wilderness Exhibition
July 20-Aug. 24, 2018
Anythink Wright Farms
5877 E. 120th Ave.
Thornton, Colo., 80602

Discover the natural world in this pop-up exhibition produced by the makers of the film, “Backyard Wilderness.” The experience includes a scavenger hunt designed to introduce concepts of scientific exploration and observation, as well as visually compelling displays designed to entertain and educate.

Colorado Day BioBlitz at Barr Lake State Park
Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, 9-11:30 am
Barr Lake State Park
13401 Piccadilly Rd.
Brighton, Colo., 80603

Celebrate Colorado Day and all of the wildlife that makes the Centennial State special. Explore biodiversity by identifying species of wildlife, birds, plants and bugs, and learn from Colorado Parks and Wildlife specialists. We’ll collect data using the Seek app (free on Android and iOS) to be used by the scientific community. This event is free and open to the public. The day’s schedule is as follows:


9 am – Arrival and check-in at the Barr Lake Nature Center with light breakfast provided
9:30 am – Brief overview of BioBlitz project and familiarization with Seek app
10 am – BioBlitz (group biodiversity identification)
11 am – Wrap-up session
11:30 am – Explore on your own