Special Preview of “Dig It! The Secrets of Soil” Exhibition

Newswise — WHAT: Special Preview of "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil" ExhibitionWHEN: Thursday, July 179:30 a.m.WHERE: Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History10th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W.Enter Constitution Avenue Lobby to be escorted to exhibitionWHO: Elizabeth Duggal, associate director, National Museum of Natural HistoryEd Schafer, secretary of the U.S. Department of AgricultureRep. Jim Costa (D-CA)Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA)Pat Megonigal, exhibition curator, Smithsonian Environmental Research CenterGary Peterson, president, Soil Science Society of AmericaStephen R. Wilson, board member, Nutrients for Life Foundation

There are more living creatures in a shovel-full of soil than human beings on the planet, yet more is known about the dark side of the moon than about soil. These are just a couple of the fascinating facts visitors can learn from the new temporary exhibition "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil," opening July 19 and continuing through Jan. 3, 2010, at the National Museum of Natural History.

The 5,000-square-foot exhibition reveals the complex world of soil and how this hidden ecosystem supports nearly every form of life on Earth. The exhibition is sponsored by the Soil Science Society of America and the Nutrients for Life Foundation, which is underwritten by The Fertilizer Institute.

Please RSVP your attendance to the National Museum of Natural History Office of Public Affairs, (202) 633-2950. For more information, visit: http://forces.si.edu/soils/.