The Old Capitol Museum, in conjunction with the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, will host a fall exhibit, “Wonderful Preserve: A Century of Recovery on Laysan Island,” opening Thursday, Aug. 14.

Laysan Island, a tiny Hawaiian atoll preserved in the Museum of Natural History’s Laysan Island Cyclorama, was a paradise of rare land and sea birds until a guano miner released rabbits in 1903. The rabbits decimated vegetation on the island, driving three species to extinction and endangering two more. “Wonderful Preserve” will explore the story of Laysan in the century since the cyclorama was built.

“The exhibit will offer visitors a look at the science and technology that has helped to restore wildlife and plant life on Laysan,” says Trina Roberts, associate director of the Museum of Natural History and the curator of the exhibit. “It will also examine how the ecosystem continues to change and the challenges the island still faces.”

The exhibit will open Thursday, Aug. 14, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m., and will remain open until Dec. 31.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the Old Capitol Museum in advance at 319-335-2010.