NEWARK, Ohio — Scattered across 2,000 acres, measuring at 25 feet long, 20 feet wide, 10 feet tall and up to 1,200 pounds, are big wooden bugs.

What You Need To Know

  • The 'Big Bugs' traveling exhibit by Daniel Rogers is in Newark at the Dawes Arboretum until August 25th

  • The exhibit includes ten 1200 pound bugs scattered across the 2,000 acre arboretum 

  • The exhibit has traveled to over 100 different exhibits 

“We have 10 bugs on property, three giant ants, one of which is behind me and seven other bugs all around the arboretum,” said Karla Long, the director of learning and engagement at The Dawes Arboretum. 

The exhibit, aptly named “Big Bugs”, has arrived at the Dawes Arboretum in Newark and will stick around for the most summer, complementing the museum’s mission to enrich lives through the conservation of trees.

“All the different bugs that we have work, work with the environment to protect it and keep it going. And they all do their part. And so that was one of the reasons why we wanted to bring big bugs here,” said Long. 

Long said the bugs not only represent conservation but were also sustainably made. 

“All of the statues are made out of fallen or found timber, wood plant products,” said Long.   

The exhibit itself has been around for 30 years, traveling to nearly 100 spots all across the country, helping to bring everything from ants, ladybugs, spiders and dragonflies to life, and doing it in a way that’s accessible to everyone. 

“All of the bugs can be seen by any of our paved trails. So if you’re in a car or a motorized device, you can still actually see and enjoy our exhibit up close,” said Long. 

An up-close look at an exhibit that appears bigger than life itself. The big bugs exhibit will be on display at the Dawes Arboretum until August 25th. Purchase tickets at Dawesarb.org.