Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
LOCATION: 548 Puddintown Rd, State College, PA
MMNC is a 62-acre site consisting of a 12-acre farmstead area with an adjacent 50-acre wetland area. The one field in the farmstead area was an abandoned nursery that had become overgrown with a variety of invasive plants. The marsh staff decided to turn the area into a pollinator garden using all native plants. A local Girl Scout troop partnered with the staff, and together they transformed it into a beautiful garden. There is a stone lined walkway through the garden and planned informational signs at each plant indicating plant name and which pollinator it attracts. The garden was an instant success and not just with visitors to the marsh. Hummingbirds and monarchs became frequent guests, with a constant stream of bees (so many bees!). The garden will be used for educational field trips and programs offered at MMNC. Landscaping with native plants has been implemented at other areas now, including plans to install a garden for birds with similar educational purposes. Many thanks to PNPS for the grant money to help purchase the plants!
In 2024, a native grass demonstration garden was planted, showcasing native grasses and how they can be used in your yard. Close your eyes and envision a grassland. What do you see? An African savannah? The Steppes of Mongolia? Maybe the Great Plains of North America? Those are all noteworthy examples of grasslands. But did you know we have grasslands right here in Pennsylvania? They may not be at the same scale or have the same notoriety, but Pennsylvania’s grasslands are equally unique and beautiful and many harbor rare and specialized plants. Plants were donated by PNPS and several private donors. Click here for more information.
MMNC is a 62-acre site consisting of a 12-acre farmstead area with an adjacent 50-acre wetland area. The one field in the farmstead area was an abandoned nursery that had become overgrown with a variety of invasive plants. The marsh staff decided to turn the area into a pollinator garden using all native plants. A local Girl Scout troop partnered with the staff, and together they transformed it into a beautiful garden. There is a stone lined walkway through the garden and planned informational signs at each plant indicating plant name and which pollinator it attracts. The garden was an instant success and not just with visitors to the marsh. Hummingbirds and monarchs became frequent guests, with a constant stream of bees (so many bees!). The garden will be used for educational field trips and programs offered at MMNC. Landscaping with native plants has been implemented at other areas now, including plans to install a garden for birds with similar educational purposes. Many thanks to PNPS for the grant money to help purchase the plants!
In 2024, a native grass demonstration garden was planted, showcasing native grasses and how they can be used in your yard. Close your eyes and envision a grassland. What do you see? An African savannah? The Steppes of Mongolia? Maybe the Great Plains of North America? Those are all noteworthy examples of grasslands. But did you know we have grasslands right here in Pennsylvania? They may not be at the same scale or have the same notoriety, but Pennsylvania’s grasslands are equally unique and beautiful and many harbor rare and specialized plants. Plants were donated by PNPS and several private donors. Click here for more information.
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