What ages is the series appropriate for?

The program is designed for ages 16 and up; content and handling rules reflect adult-level discussion.

Do I need to attend all five sessions?

No—tickets are available per session or as a discounted five-week package for those who want the full arc.

Sessions may include live demonstrations when appropriate, but many examples are inert specimens, microscopes, videos, and tactile props to illustrate adaptations.

Is the venue accessible?

Reiman Gardens provides accessible routes; contact the gardens ahead of time for specific accommodation requests.

Are materials provided?

Most materials—slides, specimen mounts, and handouts—are provided; bring a notebook for personal notes.

How do I book or cancel?

Book through the provided referral link; cancellation and refund policies are listed on the booking page.

What The Fauna? Five-Week Deep Dive Into Extraordinary Creatures at Reiman Gardens

What The Fauna? (5-week SERIES) at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, is a hands-on evening program that pulls back the curtain on animals that rewrite the rulebook. Across five Thursday nights, curious adults and older teens gather in the gardens' learning space and nearby conservatory to examine odd adaptations — from the problem-solving octopus to the burrowed life of naked mole rats. Instructors combine specimens, short live demonstrations, field-video footage, and guided discussion to make evolutionary biology immediate and practical. The venue itself shapes the experience. Reiman Gardens’ Butterfly Wing and conservatory rooms provide a living backdrop of plant communities while specimen tables and projection screens stage close-up views of anatomy, locomotion, and behavior. Key features of the program include hands-on manipulation of inert specimens, microscope stations, and tactile props that help translate abstract concepts into memorable moments. Expect to encounter mollusks, crustaceans, small mammals, and insect examples as focal points for each session. What makes this series unique in central Iowa is its blend of museum-style interpretation with garden-based ecology. Rather than being a lecture in isolation, the program situates animal adaptations within plant communities visible outside the windows. That juxtaposition helps visitors see how soil type, plant structure, and regional climate shape survival strategies. The series is ideal for people aged sixteen and up who crave curiosity-driven learning without the jargon or the pressure of formal coursework. Practical details are straightforward: sessions run about 1.5 hours on weeknights, materials are usually provided, and the setting is accessible to most visitors. Bring a notebook and a willingness to ask questions; instructors encourage hands-on participation but follow strict handling rules to protect specimens and live displays. The program is a standout local offering because it leverages Reiman Gardens’ living collections and interpretive staff to connect everyday natural history with surprising, lesser-known animal stories. Whether you come for a single session or the full five-week arc, you’ll leave with a sharper eye for oddball adaptations and practical examples you can recall on hikes, visits to aquariums, or backyard observations. It’s education with a clear narrative arc: start with wonder, handle the evidence, and leave with a practical understanding of why these animals succeed where others do not. Sessions often include recommended readings and take-home resources so participants can explore specific species afterward. The series also pairs well with daytime visits to Reiman Gardens’ seasonal displays and the adjacent Iowa State University campus for those who want to extend a scientific weekend in Ames. Tickets are sold per session or as a discounted five-week package; check the booking link for availability. Small class sizes mean time for questions and close inspection, making this program a compact, high-value learning experience for adults. Register.

About Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT.

Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability.

Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.