The University of North Texas (UNT) played a significant role in the grand opening of the Bugs LIVE exhibit at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas. The exhibit, which launched on Thursday, March 20, 2025, will run through June 29 and features giant animatronic bugs along a nature trail, offering an interactive glimpse into the insect world.
During the exhibit’s opening, students and faculty from UNT actively participated by sharing their expertise on insects and conservation. UNT’s Bee Campus Committee was represented by student volunteers, including the committee chair, Caitlin McAdoo, a senior majoring in geography. The committee aimed to enhance attendees’ understanding of pollinators and sustainable practices. McAdoo highlighted the importance of bees, stating, ‘We’re educating people on the kinds of native bees we have in Texas, as well as their behaviors. As pollinators, bees are responsible for supporting most of our food supply.’
Dr. Elinor Lichtenberg, an assistant professor at UNT specializing in insect behavior and community ecology, also participated in the event. She provided insights on best practices for land management to support pollinators, noting the substantial diversity of plant species in Texas that benefit from pollinator activity. ‘In Texas, we have about 5,000 native plant species. That means over 4,000 plant species in Texas alone are benefitting from and dependent on pollinators,’ Dr. Lichtenberg explained.
Additionally, Dr. Jaime Baxter-Slye, a clinical assistant professor focusing on pollinator health and habitat restoration, discussed UNT’s Pollinative Prairie, a project dedicated to creating pollinator-friendly environments on campus. She emphasized the intricate relationships between insects, birds, and broader ecosystems that form vital links in food chains.
Emma Morris, another member of the Bee Campus Committee and a junior in geography, spoke to visitors about the ecological needs of insects and the potential for people to better support these needs through education and awareness.
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard. It spans 289 acres and includes a variety of hands-on exhibits and outdoor experiences promoting education, conservation, and preservation. The museum hosts over 100,000 visitors annually and aims to connect people with nature through its initiatives.
For more information about the Heard Museum’s programs and exhibits, interested individuals are encouraged to visit HeardMuseum.org.