MUSEUM OF THE PLAINS

The Museum of the Plains invites visitors to explore the uniqueness and importance of the natural environment in the exhibition Habitat, in which a dozen thematic sections explore the central idea “protecting habitats protects life” through the lens of the environment where each is displayed. Developed by Smithsonian Gardens and made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES), Habitat will be on display through 2027.

Habitats provide homes for all living things, from the tiniest ant to the tallest tree. Plants, animals and other organisms have adapted to each other and their habitats over time, creating a delicate ecological balance. This balance faces many threats, including pollution, deforestation and climate change, but humans can protect habitats for the future by learning to be better stewards of the environment.

The exhibit invites visitors to learn more about topics related to habitats, their importance to life and what people can do to help preserve them. Sections on topics such as fungi, dead wood, nests and insects explore the critical role that many organisms play in creating and sustaining habitats, and how people can best protect them.