Our Learning & Healing Mission Impact
By sharing our mission through learning and healing opportunities, we create a unique impact on our community's quality of life. We believe these inspiring experiences with nature should be accessible to all people.
Free K-5 Field Trips
Kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms receive a free field trip each year with funding from a generous grant provided by a local family. Three thousand K-5 students visit us on free field trips annually, totaling over 60,300 students who have learned with the butterflies and marine life since the program started in 2006.
Healing with Nature
Research shows that blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate all decrease after spending time with peaceful nature settings like the Butterfly Conservatory or Aquarium. We partner with nonprofit organizations to provide free admission to those who benefit greatly from these calming experiences, including people with disabilities, cancer patients, and families coping with grief, tragedy, or trauma.
Among our partners in this effort are Dakotabilities, LifeScape, Children's Inn, Children's Home Society, Avera Cancer Institute, Sanford Cancer Center, Sanford Children's Hospital, Volunteers of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the VA. Over the past five years, 2,850+ individuals served by these nonprofits have visited the Butterfly House & Aquarium free of charge.
Among our partners in this effort are Dakotabilities, LifeScape, Children's Inn, Children's Home Society, Avera Cancer Institute, Sanford Cancer Center, Sanford Children's Hospital, Volunteers of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the VA. Over the past five years, 2,850+ individuals served by these nonprofits have visited the Butterfly House & Aquarium free of charge.
Aquarium for All
Through the Aquarium for All program, families who qualify for income-related assistance received significantly reduced admission and membership. Marsh & McLennan Agency and Midco generously fund these important opportunities so all families may access the Butterfly House & Aquarium.
Support Us
Help us on our mission of inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards!