EUGENE–An exhibit of 100 cartoons with an attitude about the condition of the global environment will serve as the backdrop for "Saturday Safari: Toons at Noon" from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, at the Museum of Natural History, 1680 E. 15th Ave. at the University of Oregon.

The "Toons at Noon" family event revolves around the museum’s summer exhibit, "Ecotoon: Our Endangered Planet," which features environmental cartoons from around the world. Complementing this traveling exhibit, on campus through Sept. 19, will be displays and interactive demonstrations showcasing local efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle that are designed to have participants acting, running, writing and more to benefit the Earth.

Activities for all ages and abilities await visitors outside the museum in the Glen Starlin Courtyard:

• Design your own cartoon, compete in the recycling relay or play the web game.

• Write a letter to your congressional representative, ask composting questions, and make art from trash.

Local participating groups will include Bring Recycling, the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority, and the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardeners and Composters.

"Wear your sunscreen and bike, walk or bus to the UO Museum of Natural History," suggests Gwynn Hamilton, educational programs coordinator and event organizer.

Admission is $2 per person, $5 per family or $10 for a group of 10 or more. Admission is always free for museum members and for UO students, faculty and staff.

For information, browse http://natural-history.uoregon.edu or call (541) 346-3024.

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