Nearly 90% of flowering plants rely on approximately 200,000 species of animal pollinators for fertilization. Smithsonian Gardens and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service present “Pollination Investigation,” a poster exhibition that explores the who, what, when, where, why, and how of pollination by interpreting the unique relationship between pollinators and flowers. The posters will be on view from 9 am – 4 pm central time daily at Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center, 1600 N 25 East in Chesterton, IN through August 2023.
“Pollination Investigation” showcases how pollinators are vital for a strong ecosystem as most plants need their help to fertilize flowers and reproduce. The exhibition features seven “pollinator profiles” for bees, beetles, butterflies, hummingbirds, flies, moths, and wind (along with special references to bats and water). Using a field-journal theme, each profile describes the pollinators’ favorite flowers based on floral characteristics encouraging exploration into flower shape, color, scent, and more. The set of 14 posters is bilingual (English and Spanish) and designed to educate and inspire people to explore the natural world looking at flowers and insects.
Chautauqua in the Dunes and State Park Naturalist programs will be held throughout the run of the exhibit. Individuals and groups can also interact with the exhibit with the printed activity guide available in English and Spanish. The exhibition, local programming, and promotion are made possible by Indiana Arts Commission, South Shore Arts, and Indiana Dunes Tourism.
“Pollination Investigation” was created by Smithsonian Gardens in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History and made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. It is funded in part by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.
About Chautauqua in the Dunes
Chautauqua in the Dunes brings together learners of all ages to explore and engage with the topics of the day including environment, economics, politics, religion, art, and history. It provides opportunities for cultural connection and to learn about the unique time and place that the Indiana Dunes region inhabits. Chautauquas were popular in the late 19th and early 20th century as accessible and participatory educational models. The Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua NY maintains this tradition to this day. It is this cultural icon that is replicated in small scale in the Indiana Dunes as one of approximately 30 Chautauqua Trail participants across North America. Stay up to date about all the Chautauqua in the Dunes happenings at https://www.facebook.com/chautauquainthedunes.
About Smithsonian Gardens
Since its inception in 1972, Smithsonian Gardens has extended the Smithsonian’s museum experience in a public garden setting, inspiring visitors with exceptional displays and educating them about horticulture, plants, the natural and build environments and artistic design. Its research and educational programs promote the ongoing development of collections of living plants, garden documentation and horticultural artifacts. Smithsonian Gardens is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. For more information, visit the Smithsonian Gardens website.
About the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES)
SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
