Our Mission
To inspire the development and conservation of pollinator habitats through demonstration gardens, education, consulting, and outreach programs. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden work to educate the public about the importance of pollinators and their habitat needs as critical components of many ecosystems.
Monarchs on the Move
Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies begin their incredible migration throughout the US and Canada to their winter homes in Mexico. Join Master Gardeners at the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden on Saturday, September 12, for Monarchs on the Move! This free, family-friendly program will feature a variety of activities that will teach you about the monarch’s lifecycle and habitat needs, the perils of their epic journey, and what YOU can do to help them on their way. In partnership with the national conservation organization Monarch Watch, trained Master Gardeners will also carefully tag migrating monarchs, contributing to scientific research that helps researchers understand migration patterns, survival rates, and the many challenges monarchs face.
Monarchs on the Move is scheduled for Saturday, September 12 from 1-3 p.m. at the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden in Tom Tudek Memorial Park (rain date Saturday, September 19, 1-3 p.m.).
Podcast: Pollinator Confidential
Join hosts Lisa and Pam as they uncover the untold stories of native plants… and the pollinators that love them. Special guests shed new light on what’s really going on in the pollinator garden.
From wasps to woolly bears and from trees to bees, you’re bound to learn something new!
Notes from the Habitat
All That Glitters
Monarch chrysalides are arguably the most beautiful of all the lepidoptera. But those golden accents aren’t purely decorative– they’re optical illusions created by specialized structures…
Ironweed–Late Season Royalty
New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) is late-summer royalty for the pollinator garden! One of more than a dozen species native to North America, this robust…
Puddle Muddle
We recently spotted a group of meadow fritillaries (Boloria bellona)“puddling” in the habitat. Butterflies land on wet sand, mud, or damp gravel to drink mineral-rich…
Explore the directory
Search our directory of birds, plants, butterflies and bees that call the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden home.
The SBG Wants YOU!
Interested in learning more about gardening for pollinators?
Looking to connect with like-minded members of our community?
Whether you’re a student, retiree, or somewhere in between, you can help us grow our habitat by volunteering in our demonstration gardens. Many hands make light work! Groups are also welcome. If you’re interested, contact us at info@snetsingerbutterflygarden.org
Build Your Own Pollinator Garden
Learn How to Plant for Pollinators
Learn the best tips and tricks for attracting pollinators to your own private garden.
Certify your Pollinator Garden
Once you’ve done the work, let your garden be recognized as valuable pollinator habitat.
Become a Master Gardener
Love to garden? Make new connections and benefit the community by joining the Master Gardener program.
“He can never be quite poor or friendless who has learned to read the secrets of the great outside world”