On July 25, the Lancaster Science Factory (LSF), 454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, opened the new Mueller Family Outdoor Courtyard. The 4,000-square-foot space features new exhibits and a theme of environmental sustainability.

The courtyard is the first outdoor space at LSF and follows an expansion in January 2019, which doubled the size of the exhibit hall and added a Maker Space. New exhibits include a Stormwater Exhibit where visitors can recycle stormwater collected from the roof or use it to water a rain garden filled with native plants and pollinators. Also new is a Solar Power Flower that can be spun to face the sun and power sounds, spinners, and lights.

The exhibits are placed along a fully ADA accessible riverbed pathway. Ten interpretive signage panels designed by Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) students are located throughout the courtyard to help visitors learn about environmental sustainability in Lancaster County and how they can take simple steps to protect the water and soil in their own backyards.

In addition to new exhibits, the courtyard features the work of three local artists. A 100-foot mural by artist Katie Trainer follows the waters of the Conestoga River as it winds through Lancaster County, eventually meeting up with the Susquehanna River.

A 15-foot-tall kinetic tree sculpture by metalsmith Jeremy Waak mimics the movement of a willow oak as it sways in the breeze. Constructed from stainless steel and aluminum, Waak's sculpture appears to grow out of the rain garden.

Walnut slab benches by Brian Gish are located in the shady tree appreciation area. The three benches feature blue epoxy inlays and educational laser etchings of the Susquehanna River, Chesapeake Bay, Conestoga River, and watersheds of Pennsylvania.

For more information about the museum, visit http://www.lancastersciencefactory.org.