Planting SEEDS of creativity at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

ESA SEEDS students make progress on the paint-by-number mural

Art is becoming part of the story of Kellogg Biological Station. Recent art-science collaborations at KBS have reinforced the importance of creativity in conducting meaningful research and connecting our science with our community. 

ESA SEEDS group and Dreamscene pose with their completed mural

In late April 2023, students from the Ecological Society of America (ESA) Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability program (SEEDS) program visited KBS  for their annual field trip. The group, dedicated to supporting undergraduate ecology students from underrepresented backgrounds, convened with a goal of fostering connections between students and KBS scientists. SEEDS students spent a weekend touring lab and field research facilities and learning about the research, conservation, and educational programs taking place across KBS and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.

During their stop at the Bird Sanctuary, SEEDS students were invited to participate in a collaborative art piece designed by 2022 KBS Artists in Residence Anna Lee Roeder and Erik Vasilauskas of Dream Scene Placemaking. Anna and Erik created a paint-by-number mural inspired by the Sanctuary’s vibrant colors and beloved resident birds. Altogether, 25 students played a part in completing the mural. The finished piece was recently installed at the Bird Sanctuary’s Visitor Center entrance – take a look during your next visit!

Anna and Erik pose with the installed mural at the Bird Sanctuary Resource Center

You can learn more about the KBS LTER Artist in Residence Program, including Dream Scene’s work with the KBS community, here: https://lter.kbs.msu.edu/get-involved/artists-in-residence/

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Corinn Rutkoski is a doctoral candidate in the Evans Lab at KBS and the 2023 Kellogg Bird Sanctuary social media fellow.
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