Rose-haired tarantula at Bohart Museum of Entomology. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

It's sort of like the wonders of the world but this is a science-based event at UC Davis. Scheduled Saturday, Feb. 18, it's a special day for the public to go behind the scenes to see 12 collections and learn how scientists conduct research.

You'll gain first-hand knowledge. You'll see everything from honey bees to hawks, and from bugs to botanical displays.

The event, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will "showcase natural history, biodiversity and the cultural-ecological interface," said coordinator Tabatha Yang, education and outreach coordinator for the Bohart Museum of Entomology.

The open house is free and open to all; parking is also free. All collections are within walking distance on campus except for the Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven on Bee Biology Road for the Raptor Center on Old Davis Road, and

The following will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• Arboretum and Public Garden, headquartered on LaRue Road
• Bohart Museum of Entomology, Academic Surge Building
• California Raptor Center, Old Davis Road
• Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology, Academic Surge Building
• Paleontology Collection, Earth and Physical Sciences Building
• Phaff Yeast Culture Collection, Earth and Physical Sciences Building
• Viticulture and Enology Culture Collection, Earth and Physical Sciences Building

The following will be open from noon to 4 p.m.:

• Anthropology Museum Young Hall
• Botanical Conservatory, greenhouses along Kleiber Hall Drive
• Center for Plant Diversity, Sciences Lab Building
• Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven, Bee Biology Road
• Nematode Collection, Sciences Lab Building

All participating museums and collections have active education and outreach programs, Yang said, but the collections are not always accessible to the public.   In the event of rain, alternative locations are planned for the outdoor sites. Maps, signs and guides will be available at all the collections, online, and on social media, including Facebook and Twitter, @BioDivDay.

For further information about the event, access the UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day website.