The historical Clark Bird Museum, located inside Phillips Science Hall at UW-Eau Claire, is set to re-open soon, following renovations. Once advertising posters are completed, a scheduled reception will be announced, likely to occur this month. The Clark family donated the birds to the museum in 1959. Originally from Meridean, Newman Clark collected, traded, and sold hundreds of bird specimens between the 1880s and 90s. Past visitors know the museum houses more than 500 of Clark’s birds, including passenger pigeons. Despite the age of many of the birds, most features remain intact, serving as a testament to Clark’s skills in taxidermy. Four dioramas from Norman and Herman Deaton of Iowa were also donated to the museum in 1959, preserving different elements of natural history. Two students at UWECe – Rob Rohloff and Jay Rako – were recently presented with the Gritzmacher Award for scientific outreach and were key contributors in the renovations. Local bird expert Steve Betchkal provided the scientific and artistic structures for the upgrades. Visitors can expect to see updated labels, a painted flyway map, mnemonic bird song listings, and informational posters, one of which was designed by graphic design student Lee Wegener. The renovations are sure to provide an educational framework for all ages.