Biodiversity in our Backyard: Engaging Environmental Education through Storytelling

About the Program

Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

Biodiversity in our Backyard opened at the San Bernardino County Museum in August of 2017. The objectives of the natural science-based exhibit are to provide a deeper understanding of the complex interactions found within our region’s biodiversity, and an empathetic pathway to motivate individual environmental stewardship. The exhibit draws from the Museum’s vast mammal, reptiles, and bird collections, native to San Bernardino County. The exhibit is organized into: species that have been introduced to the local environment; species that are currently healthy and thriving; species that are at risk; species that are now extinct. The key to the experience is the distinctions drawn from the outcome of each species, and what human and natural causes led to their current state of existence, or nonexistence.Biodiversity in our Backyard provides a space of reflection and understanding of our shared history and the role that human beings play in these interactions. The content and hands on interactives in the exhibit provide tools for visitors to reimagine their own impacts and develop a stewardship approach. Developed for a wide range of visitors, including families and students, the successful run has contributed to an increase in the Museum’s general attendance of 30% over the past three years, and an increase of 53% in school group visits.