Stories

Welcome to Stories, a place to explore—and be inspired by—the wonder of our natural and cultural worlds.

Native CA insects arranged into a mandala
Research and Collections
Bugs For Life
NHM researchers’ ambitious plan to DNA barcode every insect species in CA—before it’s too late
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Allen's hummingbird gorget magnified at 100x
Research and Collections
There's a Feather for That
Bird Curator Allison Shultz lays out the surprising powers of plumage and how understanding feathers helps humans—and helps humans to help birds.
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A close-up of two children holding magnifying glasses up to their face
Ponding!
A How-to by NHMLAC
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Florence standing in front of a large pile of produce
Reasons to Start Your Own Vegetable Garden With Florence Nishida
Join gardening guru and living L.A. legend Florence Nishida to learn why you, yes YOU, should be growing vegetables.
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Join a Gardener to find out what we’re harvesting in our Edible Garden!
Edible Garden Fun Facts
Mulch and drip irrigation keep our Edible Gardens bountiful without wasting water. Learn more about the tastiest part of NHM's Nature Gardens in the video below.
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Rosanna and Ofelia Esparza pictured amongst the dolls they have made and collected
The Fabric of Memory 
Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna Esparza Ahrens | Tonalli Studio
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Zeolite -- pink
Naturalist
Minerals with Lead-busting Superpowers
Our scientists are harnessing the properties of a mineral to encapsulate dangerous lead in soil in South L.A. backyards, demonstrating how NHM discoveries coupled with community partners can power environmental change.
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