Handing Out Possibility
Inviting young scientists to imagine
what grows next at Liberty Science Center
The aftermath of a fun day learning about native plants and pollinators with young scientists
A Table Full of Stamps
By the time we packed up our things at Liberty Science Center, the paper table covering embodied the chaotic joy of the day: ink-stamped flowers and butterflies layered together, scattered plant tags, and the last smudges of soil from the native perennials we’d brought along.
We’d just handed out our final packet of wildflower seeds. Watching young scientists—and plenty of adults—stamp their envelopes, ask questions, and imagine what those seeds might grow into felt like exactly why we’d shown up in the first place.
Bringing Native Plants to the Museum
In late April, Liberty Science Center invited us to take part in their Earth Month events, including the LSC After Dark: Party for the Planet celebration. The idea was simple: gather local businesses, artists, and educators to spark curiosity about sustainability in all its forms.
We set up a small display of blooming natives—Jacob’s ladder with its blue flowers, ragwort beaming yellow, tiarella and columbine starting to unfurl—and spent hours talking with visitors about what these plants do beyond looking beautiful.
Over two days, we gave out 200 native wildflower seed packets. We talked about why layered planting supports pollinators and builds soil, how native gardens manage stormwater, and why design choices matter in the long run.
Image Caption: Our table at LSC, complete with native plants & seeds
What We Took With Us
If there was one thing that stood out, it was that look of recognition on people’s faces, young and old, when they connected the dots between a small paper envelope and the living system it could become.
These were the kinds of moments that feel simple but leave a lasting impression. Planting native seeds can feel abstract until you’re holding them in your hand, picturing them sprouting in your own yard, and realizing you’re part of something bigger.
Image Caption: Our table at LSC, featuring a 3D-printed model
Gratitude
Thanks to the team at Liberty Science Center for creating a space where ecological design felt accessible and inviting.
Check out this blog post from LSC about a fifth grade pollinator project we collaborated on!
And to everyone who stopped by our table, whether you left with a seed packet, a question answered, or a new curiosity,
we’re glad you were part of it.
Opportunity is in every landscape.
From the ground up,
Design Ecosystems with us.
Related Field Journal Audioessay
Stewards in the Making (9min Listen)
