Isle a la Cache Museum will host a spring exhibit that highlights pollinators – the unsung heroes of nature – and the role they play in our ecosystem.

Smithsonian Gardens’ “Pollination Investigation” opens Wednesday, April 2, and runs through Sunday, June 22. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 

Jen Guest, the facility supervisor at Isle a la Cache, said the exhibit will showcase the fascinating relationship between flowers and pollinators, explaining how they work together to sustain the environment. 

“It’s a great way to learn about these creatures and understand how even small efforts – like planting a pollinator garden – can make a difference,” she said. “Nearly 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators for fertilization. With around 200,000 species of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to birds and bats, they play an essential role in keeping ecosystems healthy.”

The exhibit 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. The exhibit’s appearance at Isle a la Cache was made possible by The Nature Foundation of Will County.

“Pollination Investigation” has been enhanced by museum staff and features stunning visuals, hands-on activities, and a special play area for young visitors. The exhibit serves as a lead-up to the museum’s Pollinator Party (see below) and aligns with Isle a la Cache’s commitment to pollinator education, Guest said. 

“Each year, we dedicate an entire event to celebrating pollinators,” she added. “We also have a pollinator garden with pollinator hotels on-site to provide habitat for our buzzing friends.”

Upcoming programs:

• Adopt a Plant – Part Sun: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9. Learn how to grow native plants in partially shaded yards and adopt three plants to take home. Ages 16 or older; $5 per person. Register by May 7.
• WonderKids Weekend Edition – Butterflies: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 10. Little ones can explore the world of butterflies with songs, stories and crafts. Free, ages 2-5. Register by May 8.
• WonderKids — Butterflies: 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 5. Another chance for preschoolers to learn about butterflies through fun activities. Free, ages 2-5. Register by June 3.
• Pollinator Party: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Celebrate Pollinator Week 2025 with this free, family-friendly event. Pollinators are responsible for much of the food we eat. This event will highlight their importance with hands-on activities, including crafts and challenges; live bats; and expert advice on how to support pollinators at home. Tacos Maui and Kona Ice food trucks will be on-site. Registration is not required. This event is sponsored by The Nature Foundation of Will County with funding from Citgo Petroleum Corporation