The Texas Science and Natural History Museum recently hosted Pollinator Day, a spring celebration aimed at promoting education and awareness of pollinators in the Texas ecosystem. As part of the museum’s renovations, they collaborated with The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and UT landscaping services to create pollinator gardens outside the main entrance. The gardens attracted bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, inspiring the event.

Pamela Owen, associate director of the museum, emphasized the importance of connecting young learners with specific pollinators like butterflies and bees. The goal is to provide multiple avenues for learning and interaction with the natural world. Pollinator Day featured an interactive “What Did I Learn?” board where participants could reflect on the knowledge gained from the event. Feedback from attendees helps the museum team gauge the effectiveness of their educational activities.

Museum education intern Kira Reyna highlighted the excitement of events like Pollinator Day in drawing in new visitors to the museum. She noted that such events can expose people to different aspects of the museum and motivate them to return for future visits. The event also addressed pressing issues like environmental sustainability, with a recent study showing an increase in springtime temperatures in Austin since 1970.

History sophomore Meredith Perry stressed the importance of events like Pollinator Day in raising awareness about sustainability and environmental issues. By educating the public and motivating them to take action, events like these can make a difference in combatting environmental challenges. The museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, with free admission for all UT students, faculty, and staff with a valid ID.