The 2025 Climate Science team is thankful for the opportunity to connect with the community during this year’s Mt. Pisgah Wildflower Festival!

On May 18th, our team engaged over 100 guests through guided ecology walks, three pollinator-themed “hummingbird parties,” and seven hours of reading and arts and crafts activities. Throughout the day, we alternated between walks focused on fire ecology and the birds of Mt. Pisgah, offering a new tour every hour. Each walk lasted 30 to 60 minutes and included planned discussions centered on key ecological concepts.

Drawing from their backgrounds, Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) students  led participants on interactive tours of the Arboretum. These walks were open to all and intentionally designed to be accessible and welcoming for families.

As a special feature, the Climate Science team hosted “hummingbird parties,” where attendees dressed in red clothing and gathered at various times throughout the day to attract pollinators in a fun, hands-on experience that combined science with play.