The High Desert Museum has planned some very interesting and educational events for the summertime. Spokesperson Melissa Hochschild says beginning Tuesday, they will have longer hours - from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

She says the animal exhibits are a big draw for the Museum. "Coming at the end of May, we'll start all of our summer programs, and that's 2 animals shows daily with our mammals and birds. And we have “Raptors of the Desert Sky” where our birds fly free in a setting out in the woods while naturalists interpret their behaviors. And we've got people out at the cabin every day. Things are hoppin' and that starts Memorial Day weekend." Hochschild says the Museum gets about 150,000 visitors each year; the bulk of them on weekends. But it's such a large place, it never seems crowded. She says in addition to more programs and exhibits, summer rates will also be in effect beginning tomorrow.