Pollinator Meadow

An Inspired Indoor Field of Wonders

Step inside and suddenly… you’re standing in a meadow alive with motion, color, and light. This exhibit brings the beauty of Northern Pennsylvania’s pollinators indoors, where children and families can wander among native wildflowers, spot the hidden life buzzing all around, and discover why these tiny creatures hold the keys to our survival.

Monarch Magic

Follow the monarch’s incredible journey — from tiny egg on a milkweed leaf to bright orange butterfly soaring thousands of miles to Mexico. Step inside a giant chrysalis, trace their migration path, and learn how planting milkweed helps these fragile travelers find safe passage through our backyards and meadows.

The Firefly Glow

On summer nights in Appalachia, the meadow sparkles with fireflies. These beetles flash their lights to talk to one another — a magical dance powered by bioluminescence. Press the buttons to “flash like a firefly,” and listen for stories of children catching jars of light in the hills of Pennsylvania.

Bees at Work

Buzz into the hive! Bees live in busy colonies where each member has a job: building honeycomb, collecting nectar, or performing the “waggle dance” to guide friends to flowers. Try out the dance mat and see how bees communicate without words. Without pollinators like bees, many of our favorite foods would disappear.

Native Plant Playground

Goldenrod, bergamot, and black-eyed Susans aren’t just pretty — they are lifelines for pollinators. Touch, smell, and explore these blooms while discovering how native plants keep ecosystems strong. Even planting a small patch of wildflowers can make a big difference for butterflies, bees, and fireflies.