Chabot Space & Science Center Announces the Fall Climb-It Challenge To Increase Public Transit and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  Chabot Space & Science Center is launching the Climb-It Challenge, to encourage the public to visit the Center using alternative methods of transportation on selected dates. The events on three Saturdays will include free shuttle transportation and discounts on admission. The program is a pilot project funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Climate Initiatives Program to educate, inspire and empower youth and their families to make transportation-related behavior changes that reduce GHG emissions and vehicle miles traveled; impart the knowledge and skills to youth and their families that will lead to the greatest reduction in GHG emissions in the long term; and provide elements to empower visitors and remove barriers to behavior change.

A free shuttle will bring people from the Fruitvale BART station to Chabot Space & Science Center on Saturdays, October 22, November 26, and December 10, from 11am - 4pm, leaving every 40 minutes. The last shuttle will depart Chabot at 3:40pm. Riders on the free shuttle will receive $2 off General Admission to Chabot, home of Bill Nye's Climate Lab, a positive, solutions-oriented exhibition centered on the Earth's changing climate.

Visitors will also receive $2 off General Admission when arriving in a carpool with three riders or more on the same dates.  Upon arrival at Chabot Space & Science Center, everyone in the carpool will receive a R.A.R.E. (Reduce Admissions Reduced Emissions) card, redeemable for $2 off General Admission.

Exhibits in Bill Nye's Climate Lab teach students how climate scientists learn from ancient mud and ice cores, and detect historic atmospheric conditions using tools such as tree rings to study levels of carbon dioxide. Hands-on activities allow visitors to create energy efficient buildings, smart power grids and plan for ecological transportation systems. Using Climate Scout ID badges, visitors continue their experience at home or at school by visiting the accompanying website, BillsClimateLab.org.

Special activities at Chabot Space & Science Center for the Climb-It Challenge include composting workshops, garden tours, gardening tips, guided hikes through the redwood ecosystem surrounding Chabot, and a souvenir pedometer giveaway, quantifying the amount of energy saved by reducing the burning of fossil fuels. For more information about the Climb-It Challenge, visit ChabotSpace.org/climb-it.

SOURCE Chabot Space & Science Center