'Pines are Fine' at state museum

An art project and program called "Pines are Fine" is scheduled as part of the Nevada State Museum Family Fun Saturdays series on Saturday.

Volunteer Sharon Yarborough designed the art project and program to celebrate pines. Visitors will explore the world of conifers and evergreens, which keep their leaves, or needles, year-round.

Children will learn to tell the differences between pine, fir and spruce trees. They also will discover which animals eat pine nuts and how people process pine nuts for food.

In addition, participants will study cones and needles from the Jeffrey, Ponderosa and Sugar Pine trees. And they will discuss Nevada's two state trees - the Bristlecone Pine and the Single-Leaf Pinyon.

The afternoon program runs from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday.

In groups of eight, visitors also will have the opportunity to participate in an art or science activity best suited for children ages 6-11. Guests will use pine needles to make a holiday angel or check out recipe ideas.

The event in the museum at 600 N. Carson St., is free for members and children 17 or younger; adult tickets for non-members cost $8, and children must be accompanied by an adult.