Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail proudly hosts the “Habitat” exhibition, a transformative journey developed by Smithsonian Gardens, inviting visitors of all ages to delve into the intrinsic uniqueness and profound importance of our natural environment. This compelling exhibit underscores how every living organism, from the minuscule ant to the towering tree, relies on its specific home, emphasizing the critical message that safeguarding habitats is synonymous with protecting all life on Earth.
Made accessible through the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), the “Habitat” exhibit promises an immersive experience that will remain on display at the picturesque Betty Ford Alpine Gardens through April 2026. This extended viewing period allows ample opportunity for both local residents and tourists to engage with its multifaceted themes and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that surrounds us.
Visitors are guided through six distinct thematic sections strategically placed across the sprawling gardens, each offering a unique lens into the natural world. “Life Underground” unearths the hidden ecosystems beneath our feet, while “Dead Wood is Life” reveals the vibrant new beginnings found within decaying timber. Further exploration includes “Nests,” showcasing the ingenious homes of various creatures, and the charming “Bug B&B;,” highlighting the vital role insects play in biodiversity.
The journey continues with “Key to the Montane,” an exploration of the unique high-altitude environments, and “Homes,” illustrating the diverse shelters found across the animal kingdom. These thoughtfully curated installations are integrated seamlessly into the garden landscape, with Bug B&B; located in the Pollinator Garden, Key to the Montane by the Beaver Pond, Nests in the Meditation Garden, and Homes nestled within the Edible Garden.
Habitats are the foundational structures providing shelter and sustenance for all living things, enabling plants, animals, and other organisms to adapt and evolve together over millennia, fostering a delicate ecological balance. However, this balance faces escalating threats from human activities, including pollution, rampant deforestation, and the accelerating impact of climate change. The exhibit powerfully conveys that by becoming better stewards of our environment, humans possess the capacity to mitigate these threats and ensure the preservation of these vital natural homes.
A particularly poignant section, “Shifting Habitats,” delves into the challenges faced by pikas, small, charismatic creatures residing in mountain environments where rock slopes meet alpine meadows. This exhibit, featuring striking photographs by award-winning conservation photographer Kristi Odom, vividly illustrates how climate change profoundly impacts these sensitive species, revealing a crucial narrative about our rapidly changing world and the urgent need for nature conservation.
Adding an interactive and memorable element, the “Habitat” exhibit includes a captivating mural of bee wings, designed as a whimsical backdrop for photographs. This artistic feature encourages visitors of all ages to capture their experience, fostering a playful yet profound connection to the exhibition’s themes of biodiversity and the crucial role of pollinators, enhancing their environmental education journey.
The “Habitat” exhibit at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens serves as an invaluable resource for environmental education, offering a profound opportunity for guests to learn more about the intricate dynamics of habitats, their indispensable importance to all life and our global ecosystem, and tangible actions individuals can take to help preserve them. It’s an invitation to engage, learn, and be inspired to protect our planet’s precious natural heritage.
