Nature's Wonders - Let's Preserve Them!

Photos by Dr. Nishanth E. Sunny, Patuxent Volunteer and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland

Drawings by Isha A. Sunny, Patuxent Volunteer

May 1-30, 2026
9:00am to 4:00pm (Wednesdays to Saturdays)

This exhibit will feature beautiful photographs of butterflies, birds, and local flora and wildlife, mostly from Patuxent Research Refuge, by Dr. Sunny, along with some of his daughter Isha’s pencil drawings. Plus, they have generously decided to have this exhibit be a fundraiser for Friends of Patuxent and this refuge! 

Enjoy their exhibit, then choose your favorite print and purchase it in Friends of Patuxent's Wildlife Images Bookstore & Nature Shop (open Wed.-Sat., 10am-3:30pm). Your purchases will be available for pick-up from the shop once the exhibition concludes*. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the work and mission of this refuge through the refuge's partner nonprofit, the Friends of Patuxent!

*Accommodation may be possible for customers traveling through the area and unable to return for purchase pick-up.

Photo by Dr. Nishanth Sunny

Dr. Sunny has also collaborated with experienced educator-volunteers at the refuge who will offer special children's programs on three Saturdays in May at the National Wildlife Visitor Center. Each day's activity session, designed for children ages 4-12 years, will be followed by light refreshments and a Meet & Greet reception with Nishanth and his daughter Isha. Adults are welcome to participate in the activities with their children but not required to do so. To participate, please meet at the front desk on the scheduled day and time. No registration required.

• Saturday, May 9^th – 11:00AM to 12:00PM: Dennis Hartnett, Patuxent volunteer, will lead an interactive program, "Wolves and Other Predators." This activity will provide an overview of various predators in nature and how their behavior can impact the surrounding species and environment. Wolves and Other Predators - Children's Program | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Saturday, May 16^th – 11:00AM to 12:00PM: Barrie Hershkowitz, Patuxent volunteer, will lead an interactive program, "Monarch Butterflies and their Magical Migration." This activity will provide an overview of the life cycle of a Monarch butterfly and how they prepare for their 3000-mile southern migration. Monarch Butterflies and their Magical Migration - Children's Program | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Saturday, May 23^rd – 11:00AM to 12:00PM: Diana Ogilvie, Patuxent volunteer, will lead an interactive program, "Nature Walk." This short walk through the trails will highlight some common species of interest and their interactions and impacts on the nature around them. Nature Walk - Children's Program | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Drawing by Isha Sunny