About Us
Our Mission
A sustainable future
The mission of the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden is to inspire the development and conservation of pollinator habitats through demonstration gardens, education, consulting, and outreach programs. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of the SBG work to educate the public about the importance of pollinators and their habitat needs as critical components of many ecosystems.
The History of the SBG
Dr. Snetsinger’s mission was to educate the public about the importance of butterflies as critical components of many ecosystems, as well as fostering appreciation of their beauty and therapeutic benefits. Through his efforts, he encouraged the general public to establish butterfly gardens through the creation of new butterfly-friendly habitats and the restoration of neglected waste areas
Located on a 3-acre former agricultural field, the development of the habitat was a labor of love for Dr. Robert “Butterfly Bob” Snetsinger, professor emeritus of entomology at Penn State University. As close friends of the Tudek family, Wendy and Bob Snetsinger first developed the garden in tribute to their daughter Clare who (like Tom Tudek, for whom the park is named) died at age seventeen.
The Master Gardener Partnership
In 2007, The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Centre County partnered with Dr. Snetsinger to further develop the Tom Tudek Memorial Butterfly Habitat as an educational resource. In 2011, in recognition of Dr. Snetsinger’s outstanding work, trustees officially designated the garden as “The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden at Tom Tudek Memorial Park”.
Today, Master Gardeners of the SBG provide mentoring in environmental stewardship, promote biodiversity, and offer tours, presentations and educational programs. Through our Satellite Garden program, Master Gardeners work with schools, neighborhood groups, and community organizations to create pollinator habitat throughout Centre County and beyond.
SBG Partners
The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden was created in partnership with the Tom Tudek Memorial Park Trust, Ferguson Township, and Centre Region Parks and Recreation. Since that time, other partners have provided outreach support while using the site to conduct research or educational activities.
Tom Tudek Memorial Park Trust
