Get to Know Your Neighbors in Butterfly Pavilion’s Newest Interactive Exhibit

By Diane Metzger, Brand Manager at Butterfly Pavilion

A visit to Butterfly Pavilion is known to transport guests around the world, offering a stroll through a real rainforest filled with stunning tropical plants and free-flying butterflies, a peek underwater at aquatic animals found in the depths of oceans, a glimpse into the lives of desert-dwelling terrestrial species equipped for the harshest of conditions, and so much more. But one of the amazing things about invertebrates is that you don’t need to look to animals from distant lands to be awestruck by their incredible abilities and essential contributions to ecosystems. In fact, there’s an incredible diversity of invertebrate animals right below your feet and outside your door just waiting to be discovered.

Our newest interactive exhibit – Colorado Backyard – is opening March 23 and will connect guests to the rich and diverse life that surrounds us right here in the Centennial State, with a goal of inspiring greater commitment to conserve our natural treasures in Colorado and beyond. The exhibit will feature live animals, indoor play structures, a virtual reality experience, a rotating exhibit area and invertebrate photography by talented individuals from the community.

The exhibit was inspired by feedback we received from our members and guests who expressed a deep interest in learning more about the animals and ecosystems right in our backyard. This insight came as no surprise, as us Coloradans – especially those who frequent Butterfly Pavilion – are known for caring deeply about our natural landscapes! We couldn’t be more grateful to be part of this fantastic community.

Our educators and scientists at Butterfly Pavilion were incredibly excited to tap into their expertise and gather the stories of some of the most unique invertebrates that inhabit Colorado, in mountain, wetland, desert, prairie and urban ecosystems. And yes, Colorado has them all! Bumblebees living at over 12,000 feet, beetles that are skilled swimmers, wasps with the ability to paralyze tarantulas, spiders that catch pests behind-the-scenes in our homes – there is so much to discover.

If you’re looking for a sneak peek of the types of stories we’ll uncover, click here for an inside look at the life of our state insect, the Colorado hairstreak butterfly, as told by our Lepidopterist, Kathryn Hokamp.

After experiencing Colorado Backyard, our hope is that when you play in your backyard, trek through the mountains, ski or snowboard through fresh powder, enjoy produce from the farmer’s market, or even do something as seemingly mundane as heading down to your basement to grab an item out of storage, you’ll take a second to think about the little animals that are making a big, and positive, impact on the spaces we need and enjoy daily. We also plan to make sure you’re well-equipped to take small, but impactful, actions every day that can ensure these hidden heroes are protected for the future.

See the full exhibit layout at butterflies.local/exhibit/coloradobackyard. Stay updated on the exhibit construction and all the other exciting happenings going on at Butterfly Pavilion by following us on Facebook and by visiting our website – butterflies.local.

Our countdown begins! We look forward to seeing you on March 23 for the grand opening of Colorado Backyard.