The highly anticipated Bug Squad Exhibit opened its doors at River Legacy Nature Center on November 16th, and the event was nothing short of amazing. With a grand total of 155 guests in attendance, families from across the community joined us to celebrate this immersive, educational, and incredibly fun exhibit.

Bug Squad, created by Omaha Children’s Museum, features larger-than-life animatronic bugs, hands-on activities, and interactive displays that showcase the incredible “superpowers” of insects. Visitors learned about the unique traits of dragonflies, butterflies, ants, and lightning bugs, to name a few, while engaging with science in a playful and imaginative way.

Highlights of the grand opening included:

• Kids exploring the ant colony climber, where they could crawl through tunnels and experience life as a bug.
• The Pollinator Power activity, where children used their “super strength” to send yellow plastic balls flying, simulating how pollinators spread seeds.
• The Butterfly Wing Creator, which allowed guests to mix colors and design their own butterfly wing patterns.

A special highlight of the Bug Squad Exhibit was the macro photography gallery by long-time treasured volunteer and friend of River Legacy Foundation, Zachary Chapman. Zachary’s stunning photos showcased the intricate beauty of local insects, offering guests a chance to see the delicate details and vibrant colors of these small yet vital creatures up close. His work added an artistic dimension to the exhibit, celebrating the wonders of the insect world and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity in our own backyards. We are grateful for Zachary’s continued dedication and for sharing his remarkable talent with the River Legacy community. Zachary’s photography exhibit will be on display until the end of Summer 2025.

Fox 4 News also joined us for the Bug Squad Grand Opening! Reporter Paige Ellenberger brought her energy and enthusiasm to River Legacy Nature Center, showcasing the exhibit in two live segments. Paige interviewed Executive Director Shannon Porter as she highlighted the interactive and educational elements of Bug Squad, giving viewers a sneak peek into the fun awaiting families. Her adventurous reporting, including sliding down the “ant tunnel,” demonstrated how Bug Squad inspires curiosity and connection to nature. We’re grateful to Paige and Fox 4 News for helping us spread the word about this extraordinary experience.

Watch Shannon Porter and Naturalist Connor Leferink on Fox 4 News here.

Bug Squad will be at River Legacy Nature Center through February 8th, 2025. This exhibit is a great way to foster a love of nature and science in children and adults alike. Please note the exhibit will be closed on December 24th, 25th, and January 1st for the holidays.

Bug Squad would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Baylor Scott & White, Viridian, Capital Streetscapes, Sa-So, and Wells Fargo. Their commitment to education and community enrichment allows us to provide opportunities like this for families to connect with nature.

And thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable grand opening. If you haven’t yet experienced Bug Squad, we encourage you to plan your visit and bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of exploration and discovery. Click here for ticket information.

We can’t wait to see you there!