Pollinator Palooza returns to the Science Mill on Saturday, April 20 from 10 am to 2 pm. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Through up-close encounters and hands-on activities, learn why monarch butterflies – along with bees and bats – are crucial to our local ecosystem. Three cheers for pollinators: Butterflies! Bats! Bees!
FLOOR ACTIVITIES
Seed Bombs - At this station, guests will create seed bombs and learn the importance of creating a seed bomb rather than throwing seeds loosely on the ground. Seed bombs are a more effective way to plant seeds because they protect the seeds from being eaten by animals or washed away by rain and are great for pollinators because they're easy to use, restore habitats, and promote biodiversity. They contain a mix of plant seeds that bloom at different times, ensuring food for pollinators year-round.
Plant Press - Explore how botanists press plants and flowers in order to save them to study later, or to add to a museum or university collection. Learn about the importance of proper labeling and preserving, and how these botanical records are used for science. Guests will make their own plant press from simple materials that they can take home and use all summer! What flower will you press and save?”
Butterfly Release - At this station, guests will learn about the importance of pollinators and how they support food production in the wild, as well as man made crops. There will be live butterflies at this station that guests will have the opportunity to release and observe. The facilitator will discuss how pollination is reached, how butterflies contribute to pollination, and what to expect when the butterflies are released. Facilitator will also guide guests on how to safely handle butterfly envelopes before and during the release. Guests will have the opportunity to watch their butterfly flutter away upon release. Most butterflies fly a short distance immediately upon release, and often aim to land on the brightest object they see! Butterfly purchase required
Mason Bee Hotel - At this station, guests will have the opportunity to discover various native bee species while engaging in a hands-on activity, constructing their own Mason Bee Hotel to bring home. A Mason Bee Hotel provides the native Mason bees and leafcutter bees a safe space to rest and lay their eggs. By participating in this activity, guests not only learn about native bees but also help save them by creating safe homes for these important pollinators!
SPECIAL GUESTS
Joining us on Pollinator Palooza are beekeeper Mike Mendez, Master Gardener Terri Sparks, and Research Rangers Hannah Baratang and Jill Zipperer to help you learn more about our pollinators!
Originally from San Antonio, Michael Mendez currently lives in Austin. An advanced level beekeeper with the Texas Master Beekeeper program, he has been beekeeping for 12 years, providing hive and swarm removal services and consultations for budding beekeepers. He keeps his own bees in Webberville where he also tends bees for Austin Community College in Elgin, TX. There, he also teaches a continued education class for beekeeping. His favorite thing about beekeeping is that there is always something new to learn. He says, "Sometimes new perspectives are needed to further our understanding of the honeybees and that comes from new people from different backgrounds that are able to observe or study things in ways that are different from anyone before them."
Hannah Baratang was raised in Killeen, Texas, started community college at the age of 12, and got her Bachelor's of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University - Central Texas. She is about to graduate with her Master's of Science in Biology from Texas State University in May, having done research in the field of drawing as a generative learning activity and nature journaling. She teaches genetics, throws concerts, collects bones, and loves the San Marcos River. She loves the Science Mill and can't wait to be back!
Terri Sparks is a lifelong gardener. She started out as a child gardening with her mother and grandmother and she was hooked for life. Terri grew up in Driftwood and now lives in Blanco and is accustomed to the challenges of gardening in Central Texas and specifically Blanco County. Terri enjoys all types of gardening. She spends time growing houseplants, maintaining a year round vegetable garden and constantly increasing her garden beds with native plants which attract and foster bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Terri is a Blanco County Master Gardener and says one of her main reasons for becoming a Master Gardener was so she could share her knowledge with others while also learning from others. Terri recently retired after working as a registered nurse for over thirty five years. She’s excited to be able to spend more time than ever gardening. When not gardening, Terri enjoys spending her time cooking, traveling, reading and volunteering where she can serve people, pets, plants and the planet.
Jill Zipperer is a former 5th grade science teacher turned informal science educator. Originally from Houston/East Texas, she has her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Arts in Middle Grades Science Education. She is currently working on her PhD at Texas State University, with a focus on biology education and the connection between scientists and their local communities. When she’s not teaching or going to school, she loves hiking with her dogs, attending Austin FC games with her husband, reading, running, and kayaking! She is so excited to represent the Research Rangers at the Science Mill - yay pollinators!
TICKETS
Adult @ $11.00
Butterfly to release @ $3.50
Senior 65+ @ $9.00
Youth @ $9.50