Habitat

Smithsonian Gardens, together with partners from across the Smithsonian, the Habitat exhibition explores the stories and science of habitats, and the plants, animals, and humans that call them home. The exhibition examines the critical need for diverse habitats, how interconnected and fragile habitats are, and what we can do to protect them.

The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum invites visitors to explore the uniqueness and importance of the natural environment in the exhibition “Habitat.” Thematic section explores the central idea “protecting habitats protects life” through the lens of the environment where it is displayed.

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.

“Habitat” also explores different ecosystems and how scientists study them. For example, Biomes: Life in the Balance features different biomes found in North America and how scientists at the Smithsonian are studying disruptions to the balance of these ecosystems; Sign of the Dragonfly examines how conservationists study indicator species, like dragonflies, to determine the health of an ecosystem.

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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.