On April 20, Leya Collins, the WSC Museum Laboratory Manager, greeted visitors at the Inland Empire Science Festival held outside of the Western Science Center in Hemet. As she welcomed attendees, she held “Charlotte,” a non-venomous Reticulated Python, around her neck and shoulders. The event was a hit with Hemet Unified School District students, their families, and many others who came to enjoy the annual festival.
For HUSD students and families, the day was made even more special as they were offered free admission to the museum. Leya Collins, along with event coordinator Brett Dooley, welcomed visitors to the festival. Collins explained the purpose of the event as bringing science to the Inland Empire and showcasing the importance of science to the community. Attendees were able to explore the WSC Museum, where fossils of prehistoric animals and their histories are preserved and on display at 2345 Searl Parkway.