GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida employees will receive free admission and gift shop and plant sale discounts at the Florida Museum of Natural History from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, as part of UF Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day.

UF employees must present a valid Gator 1 card for free admission to the “First Colony: Our Spanish Origins” and “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibits. The museum’s other exhibits are free. Employees may also show their Gator 1 card to receive a 10 percent discount in both museum gift shops, including butterfly-friendly plant purchases.

“The staff and faculty represent UF’s most valuable asset,” Florida Museum of Natural History Director Douglas Jones said. “By offering free admission to the ‘First Colony’ and ‘Butterfly Rainforest’ exhibits, the Florida Museum can show its appreciation for all they do to enrich our community.”

“First Colony” reveals the history and real stories of the people who crafted the nation’s first enduring European settlement–St. Augustine in 1565–through archaeology, interactive activities and more than 400 artifacts.

The “Butterfly Rainforest” is a 6,400-square-foot screened, outdoor enclosure with tropical plants and hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world. The exhibit currently features a display of multicolored poinsettias through Dec. 31, providing a backdrop for visitors to take family photographs. Employees conduct butterfly releases with a brief presentation in the exhibit daily at 2 p.m. with additional weekend releases at 3 and 4 p.m., weather permitting.

This deal may not be combined with other offers or discounts.

For more information on UF Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, call 352-846-2000 or visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/calendar/grid/uf-faculty-and-staff-appreciation-day. For more information on all Florida Museum exhibits, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/exhibits/.

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Writer: Maria Espinoza, PRintern@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: Douglas Jones, dsjones@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-2054