How much do you know about the natural history of the United States? In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Mann Library invites you to put your knowledge to the test with our U.S. Natural History Discovery Challenge!
This fun, self-guided activity invites visitors to explore three biodiversity-focused exhibits currently on display at Mann Library. Part of Cornell University Library’s From the Brink exhibit series, these installations explore the diversity of life on Earth, the threats facing species and habitats, and the efforts underway to protect our natural world.
Participating is easy! Simply pick up a challenge sheet, explore one of our three exhibits, and answer two questions about what you discover:
- Going to Gone: Earth’s Biodiversity Loss and What We Can Do About It — Mann Library Lobby, 1st floor
- Keeping Common Birds Common: Birds and Habitat at Cornell Botanic Gardens and Beyond — Top Shelf Gallery, 1st floor
- Last Call: Bird Decline and the Threat of Extinction — Mann Gallery, 2nd floor
Challenge sheets and raffle boxes are available near each exhibit, as well as on the first floor near the library entrance. Once you’ve answered the questions, simply drop your completed sheet into any of the raffle boxes for a chance to win a field guide or natural history book of your choice!
Want to boost your chances of winning? Complete a different challenge sheet for each of the three exhibits, and you’ll earn three entries into the prize drawing.
Winners will be drawn on Monday, November 23, so be sure to submit your entries before then!
The challenge is free and open to all. Whether you’re a natural history enthusiast or simply curious and want to learn something new, we hope you’ll stop by, explore, and discover something fascinating about the natural world.
Learn more about the rest of the exhibits in our From the Brink exhibit series.