Something beautiful is blooming at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science—and it’s more than just flowers.
Our Outdoor Explorium is growing into a vibrant outdoor learning space where science, nature, and creativity come together. If you’ve heard us talk about it before, you know this space is designed to connect people of all ages to North Dakota’s natural resources, conservation efforts, and environment. But if you haven’t seen it in person yet—trust us, things are getting exciting!
Over the past year, we’ve made steady progress: the shed, greenhouse, canopy, and fence are in place, forming the backbone of what’s becoming a truly dynamic space for hands-on outdoor learning. Soon, you’ll see even more come to life—a water table (we bring all the water fun!), vegetable and flower beds, a weather station, and natural pathways leading through areas for music, art, and other exciting hands-on discoveries.
But right now, all eyes (and bees) are on our new pollinator garden—and the incredible group of volunteers bringing it to life: the Gardening Guild.
Meet the Gardening Guild
The Gardening Guild is made up of generous volunteers—NDSU Extension Master Gardeners and other community members—who have stepped up to help design, plant, and care for a pollinator garden alongside the Outdoor Explorium.
This isn’t just a garden—it’s a living classroom. With guidance from “The Guild”, we’re planting native wildflowers and pollinator-friendly plants that will attract bees, butterflies, and other critical species. The garden will help visitors understand the role pollinators play in our food systems and ecosystems, and give young scientists the chance to observe nature up close.
And when we say close, we mean it.
Just west of the Explorium, near our hilltop sign, an active bee hive buzzes with life. Their proximity makes the pollinator garden even more meaningful—visitors will be able to see how the bees interact with the garden and better understand their role in North Dakota’s environment. But no worries—these busy bees are just doing their thing. They’re focused on the flowers, not the people, and watching them at work is a great way to learn that pollinators and humans can share space safely and respectfully.
Why It Matters
Pollinators are in trouble, and their habitats are disappearing. By creating this garden, we’re doing a small part to provide habitat, supporting biodiversity, and giving our community a place to learn, explore, and take action. Thanks to the Gardening Guild’s dedication and expertise, we’re not just planting 
flowers—we’re planting possibility. Their work is helping something big take root: curiosity, stewardship, and a stronger connection to the natural world.
The pollinator garden is just the beginning. The Outdoor Explorium will continue to grow with new features like edible gardens, weather monitoring tools, interactive art and music spaces, and natural play areas that spark creativity and scientific exploration. It’s a space that will keep changing with the seasons—and with the support of volunteers and community members like the Gardening Guild, its impact will grow for years to come.
Come Grow With Us
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a science enthusiast, or just love being part of something meaningful, there’s a place for you here. Volunteers help out in so many ways—from the gallery to summer camps, special events, and now the Outdoor Explorium.
Interested in joining the Gardening Guild or volunteering with Gateway to Science?
Fill out our volunteer interest form and learn more about how you can get involved.