Draper Natural History Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

09/05/2026

Happy International Vulture Awareness Day!

This September 5, we’re celebrating some of nature’s most misunderstood—and most important—birds!

Vultures may not win any beauty contests, but they play a vital role in keeping ecosystems healthy. As nature’s cleanup crew, they efficiently dispose of carrion and help reduce the spread of disease. Despite their important ecological role, vultures around the world face serious threats, including poisoning, habitat loss, electrocution, and other human-caused dangers.

Here at the Draper Natural History Museum, we think vultures deserve a little more appreciation!

Want to separate vulture fact from fiction? Check out our blog: https://centerofthewest.org/2020/08/31/vultures-fallacies-and-truths/

09/04/2026

Two word of the days in one week, but they describe vastly different processes!

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

Don't forget this Saturday-September 5th is International Vulture Awareness Day!!

Vultures are so vital to our healthy ecosystems they deserve their own day of recognition 👏

Spend some time outside and appreciate your local vultures! ❤️

08/30/2026

Heads up, everyone! August 31st is the last day of our summer "Eagle Feeding" programs. We are so grateful to everyone who attended these new programs to learn more about bald eagles and our girl, Jade.

Don't worry, Jade will still get fed every day, we just won't be able to hang out with guests like we had been as our staff starts to shift some of their focus to fall programs at local schools and online classrooms.

Thanks for a great summer!

08/28/2026

Curious about the research happening beyond the walls of the Draper Natural History Museum?

The newest edition of The Pinyon Jay Journal is here! Dive into the latest updates, including:

🔹 A statewide Pinyon Jay summary from Frank Stetler of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department
🔹 A behind-the-scenes look at what technicians Moira and Amber have been up to in the field
🔹 Insight into the museum side of Pinyon Jay research from Andy Engilis (UC Davis MWFB)
🔹And more of Lucky #4’s story, courtesy of Jason Riggio (UC Davis MWFB)

It’s a packed edition—and one you won’t want to miss!

📖 Read it on our website:
https://centerofthewest.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Pinyon-Jay-Journal-_-CS-Newsletter-August-2026.pdf

08/26/2026

Another summer is coming to an end. While we are sad to see our interns go, we are so grateful for all they do for us and all we can offer them. Check out Sophie's blog about what she learned from the birds of the Draper Museum Raptor Experience.

As I near the end of my Raptor Internship at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, I reflect on the knowledge I have gained over the past 12 weeks. From

08/26/2026

Our interns are heading back to school, and we’re seeing just how far they’ve come with a few questions! 👀

Sophie was our Draper Raptor Experience intern this summer. We asked her the same questions at the beginning and end of her internship to see how her perspective changed after a summer of hands-on experience with the museum’s raptors. 🦅

Join us in wishing Sophie the best in her next chapter! And stay tuned for her internship blog, where you can learn more about her experience.

08/24/2026

Today, (technically tomorrow) we celebrate the anniversary of the National Park Service!

On August 25, 1916, the National Park Service was established to protect and preserve America's most treasured landscapes, wildlife, historic sites, and cultural resources for future generations. More than a century later, that mission continues to inspire millions of visitors each year.

From soaring mountains and winding rivers to ancient fossils and thriving wildlife, our national parks safeguard incredible natural wonders while providing opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with the outdoors. They also serve as vital habitat for countless species—including the birds of prey that help us share conservation stories here at the Draper Natural History Museum.

Today, we celebrate the dedicated park rangers, scientists, historians, maintenance crews, volunteers, and staff whose passion and stewardship help keep these remarkable places protected for all.

Happy Anniversary, National Park Service! Thank you for preserving America's natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.

Image shows a Ranger Naturalist talking to group at Upper Geyser Basin; Photographer unknown; No date. Image curtesy of the National Park Service.

08/22/2026

In celebration of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West's exciting new Buffalo Nation exhibition, we would like to invite you to attend a premiere screening of What Bison See: Restoring Yellowstone's Lost Migrations.

What Bison See is a film by Wyoming Migration Initiative at the University of Wyoming that provides an intimate look at the first bison fitted with video collars. The film is presented by Yellowstone Forever and produced in partnership with the National Park Service.

Please join us on Friday, September 11, from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Coe Auditorium at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. A moderated discussion panel will follow the film with time for Q&A from the audience.

Panelists include Chris Geremia (Yellowstone National Park), Matt Kauffman (Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit with the University of Wyoming), Janey Fugate (Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration with the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit with the University of Wyoming), and Patrick Rodgers (Wyoming Migration Initiative).

Doors open at 6:30 PM!