MARION – The Marion Natural History Museum is planning ways to get out in nature this fall. Join them on Oct. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the museum for a free event about plastics in the environment.

Scientist Chris Reddy will present facts about plastics in the environment. Reddy is a senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and studies marine pollution, petroleum geochemistry, and develops natural products for the cosmetics industry.

Reddy became interested in plastics in 2008 when he collaborated with Dr. Kara Lavender Law at Sea Education Association to study the distribution and chemical composition of plastic in the North Atlantic Ocean. Their work led to foundational papers in ocean plastics research published in Science and the Marine Pollution Bulletin.

To make meaningful progress in this field, Reddy believes the scientific community must establish a common language and framework for studying plastics.

Pre-registration is encouraged.

On Oct. 26 at 8 a.m., join the Marion Natural History Museum and the Nasketucket Bird Club for a fall birding adventure. Meet at Washburn Park for a guided walk. This event is great for new birders or those interested in learning more about birds in the area. It will be an opportunity to see and hear local and migrating birds. The walk will be lead by Justin Barrett, board member for the Marion Natural History Museum and president of the Nasketucket Bird Club.

The event is free.