Find News from VisitNC and Destinations

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro Science Center (GSC) visitors will be entertained, alarmed and enlightened as they walk through the halls of a ramshackle manor and experience the dangerous world of plants at Wicked Plants: The Exhibit. GSC members will have the opportunity to preview the exhibit on Friday, January 26, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The exhibit will open to all GSC visitors on Saturday, January 27. A media preview is scheduled for Friday, January 26 from 10:00 a.m. – noon.

Inspired by author Amy Stewart’s best-selling book, "Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities," Wicked Plants offers a fun, safe and educational way to explore some of nature’s most toxic flora. Two- and three-dimensional interactives fill a Victorian-era home, where visitors travel from room to room and learn about various poisonous plants that may be lurking in their homes and backyards. From a crime scene investigation in the potions laboratory, to sniffing stations in the bathroom, to a simulated graveyard featuring some of the most common deadly and toxic plants, Wicked Plants provides a comprehensive overview of an often unknown side of the natural world.

Chandra Metheny, GSC Horticulturist, says, "This exhibit will showcase a fascinating look into the mysterious botanical world of plants and how toxic specimens have played a downright "Wicked" role in history, medicine, and science. Visitors will be able to investigate some of these so-called "villains" of the plant world up close and determine for themselves just how these specimens tick!"

"We think Wicked Plants will be a big hit with school kids and families. This is a great chance for visitors to explore the darker - but really interesting - side of plant properties," says Martha Regester, the GSC’s VP of Education.

Designed to educate the public and increase science literacy, Wicked Plants exposes visitors to plants associated with a myriad of negative health effects, including addiction, obesity, allergies, pain, poisoning, cognitive impairment, and even death. Showcasing more than 100 plants, the exhibit takes an open-ended approach to health education, providing visitors with an opportunity to weigh the risks of utilizing specific plants.

Admission to Wicked Plants includes general admission to the GSC. Ticket prices are as follows:

• GSC Members (ages 3+): $3.00
• Adults (ages 14 - 64): $17.50
• Seniors (ages 65+): $16.50
• Children (ages 3 - 13): $16.50
• Children 2 and Under: Free

A discounted group rate is available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets will be available for purchase online beginning January 2. Exhibit tickets for same-day use will be available for purchase on site.

Wicked Plants: The Exhibit is funded by The North Carolina Arboretum Society and the Creel-Harison Foundation.

About the Greensboro Science Center: 
A premier family attraction in North Carolina that offers the state's first accredited inland aquarium, a hands-on science museum, an accredited Animal Discovery Zoological Park, a state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater, and SKYWILD, an animal-inspired treetop adventure park. The Center is also NC's only dually accredited AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and AAM (American Alliance of Museums) science attraction – an honor only 14 attractions in the nation can claim. The Greensboro Science Center is located at 4301 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.greensboroscience.org.

###

CONTACT:

Erica Brown
336-288-3769 x1401
marketing@greensboroscience.org