This Weekend

I've been a little under the weather this week and haven't been able to do much besides sleep. Fortunately, I only missed writing about one science event - Powering Up Cities for Plug-In Hybrids, which was on Wednesday. Sorry, hybrid enthusiasts.

This weekend's outlook for events is slightly less bleak - depending on who you ask.

Liquid Assets: A History of New York City's Water System
For anyone wondering where our water comes from, this is the lecture to attend. Running water was a huge boost to public health in the city; it's the big reason why we don't see diseases like yellow fever and cholera anymore. Some of the earliest aqueducts have been retired. For example, there used to be a reservoir where the library at Bryant Park stands today. Author Diane Galusha will be presenting the history of the aqueducts and reservoirs that have been built and destroyed over the past 170 years and the consequences of these projects.
Friday, Jan. 23 at 7pm
AMNH
81st Street and Central Park West

Make A Worm Compost Bin
Even though my sister's fiance has tried to convince my family that vermiculture is the greatest, I haven't hopped onto the bandwagon. Having a worm bin just seems like a lot of work and well, smelly. I'm also wary about how much space these annelids may take up in my teeny apartment. But, the Lower East Side Ecology Center is determined to show New Yorkers that even we can benefit from composting. On Saturday, they will be hosting a workshop and you can take home your very own worm habitat for $40.
Saturday, Jan. 24 at 1pm
Jefferson Market Public Library
425 Avenue of the Americas

Make A Terrarium
If the annelids are a little too icky, head over to Wave Hill in the Bronx to make your very own terrarium. Terrariums are those little worlds in a jar that most of us made when we visited the local botanical garden in elementary school. You can make a fancier version for $65 this weekend, or just watch this video and create one for much less.
Saturday, Jan. 24 at 1pm
Wave Hill House
West 249th Street and Independence Avenue
Bronx, NY