Snetsinger Butterfly Garden

Snetsinger Butterfly Garden The park is located within Tudek Memorial Park in State College, PA.

The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden is a unique three acre habitat developed by Dr. Robert Snetsinger (aka Butterfly Bob) to promote pollinator conservation and environmental stewardship. The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden is a unique three acre habitat developed under the direction of Dr. Robert Snetsinger (aka Butterfly Bob) to promote pollinator conservation and issues of environmental stewardship. The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden was created in partnership with the Tudek Trust, Ferguson Township and Centre Region Parks and Recreation. The Master Gardeners of Centre County joined this partnership in 2007 to work with Dr. Snetsinger to develop and maintain this habitat as a major educational resource for the community. Since 2007 Dr. Snetsinger and the Master Gardeners have worked to develop additional partnerships that would expand the opportunities for educational outreach and research. Penn State's Frost Entomological Museum and its support organization, the Friends of Frost, assist with the development of educational displays and exhibits, outreach programs and research. Also involved in these activities and programs is Penn State's Center for Pollinator Research. Many community organizations work with the Master Gardeners as partners in various events and activities including Penn State's Shavers Creek Environmental Center, the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society, Muddy Paws Marsh, Discovery Space of Central PA, the Bellefonte Children's Garden, Centre Crest, and several local schools.

09/13/2026

It was a great day for Monarchs on the Move! Thanks to all who came out. More to follow!

Did you know? Early North American settlers were impressed by the vivid colors of Danaus plexippus and dubbed this speci...
09/11/2026

Did you know? Early North American settlers were impressed by the vivid colors of Danaus plexippus and dubbed this species “King Billy” after King William, Prince of Orange. Later, the name was changed to ‘monarch’ in recognition of the earlier connection to royalty.
Learn more fun facts about monarchs and other pollinators at Monarchs on the Move! Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m. at the garden.

Learn about the many butterflies and other pollinators who call the garden home—all year long! Monarchs on the Move, Sat...
09/10/2026

Learn about the many butterflies and other pollinators who call the garden home—all year long! Monarchs on the Move, Saturday at 1 pm. See you at the garden!

09/09/2026
09/09/2026

Why is this monarch so intent on feeding? Find out at Monarchs on the Move this Saturday!

09/08/2026

Lemon Queen sunflower is great for pollinators! Join us for Monarchs on the Move this Saturday

Are you traveling this Labor Day weekend? Any modern vacation trip pales in comparison to the journey migrating monarchs...
09/07/2026

Are you traveling this Labor Day weekend? Any modern vacation trip pales in comparison to the journey migrating monarchs face at this time of year! While they travel much farther than most lepidoptera (up to 3,000 miles), monarchs flap their wings only 5-12 times per second, slower than many other butterflies. When flapping and actively cruising, individual monarchs average between 4-12 mph. With the help of high-altitude tailwinds and gliding, short-term ground speeds can spike much higher.
Join us for Monarchs on the Move to learn more about their epic journey! Saturday, September 12, 1 p.m. at the garden.
Photo: Michael Barrick

Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies begin an incredible migration to their winter homes in Mexico. Join us at the...
09/06/2026

Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies begin an incredible migration to their winter homes in Mexico.

Join us at the garden on Saturday, September 12, for Monarchs on the Move! Master Gardeners of the SBG will lead 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 Monarch Watch, trained Master Gardeners will also tag migrating monarchs during the event, contributing to scientific research that helps researchers understand migration patterns, survival rates, and the many challenges monarchs face.

This free, family-friendly program is scheduled for Saturday, September 12 from 1-2 p.m. (rain date Saturday, September 19, 1-2 p.m.). For more information, visit our website: snetsingerbutterflygarden.org.

The chrysalis of a monarch is arguably the most beautiful of all the lepidoptera. But those golden accents aren’t purely...
09/04/2026

The chrysalis of a monarch is arguably the most beautiful of all the lepidoptera. But those golden accents aren’t purely decorative– they’re optical illusions created by specialized structures and carotenoid pigments, which have important functions. The monarch’s exoskeleton is raised in the areas of the “diadem” to create little mountains which reflect light, creating the sparkle. The reflective surfaces of the chrysalis break up the solid shape of the pupa, camouflaging it by mimicking dewdrops or filtered sunlight These areas also help produce crucial developmental hormones and assist with oxygen exchange.
Learn more fascinating facts about monarchs and other pollinators at Monarchs on the Move! Join us Saturday, September 12 at 1 p.m. in the garden.
Photo: Joshua J. Cotten, Unsplash

09/02/2026

Join us for Monarchs on the Move! Saturday September 12, 1 pm at the garden

Address

400 Herman Drive
State College, PA
16803

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