Nat Geo and Disney Celebrate Earth Month with 'Hoppers' Star Piper Curda

The companies team up for a free pop-up experience at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:57am

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of the intricate, golden texture of a honeycomb, emphasizing the natural wonder and importance of these essential pollinators.A close-up view of the complex, natural beauty of a honeycomb, highlighting the essential role of bees in sustaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems.Los Angeles Today

National Geographic and Disney are inviting audiences to 'Step into Wonder' during Earth Month with a special pop-up activation at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. The free experience features seven iconic Nat Geo yellow borders set up around the park, encouraging guests to explore nature and biodiversity. 'Hoppers' voice actress Piper Curda hosted the opening night event, which also included hands-on activities like a honey tasting station and nature-inspired art for kids.

Why it matters

The collaboration between Nat Geo and Disney aims to inspire people, especially families, to connect with the natural world and appreciate the importance of conservation efforts. By bringing the 'Step into Wonder' theme to life at a historic site like the La Brea Tar Pits, the companies are making nature exploration accessible and engaging for the local community.

The details

The 'Step into Wonder' pop-up at the La Brea Tar Pits will run through April 23, giving guests the chance to experience the seven Nat Geo yellow border installations around the park grounds. The opening night event featured a dedicated kids area with nature-themed art activities, as well as an interactive honey tasting station highlighting the diversity of local bee populations. National Geographic Explorer and entomologist Dr. Sammy Ramsey, who appears in the 'Secrets of the Bees' docu-series, was on hand to discuss the importance of pollinators.

  • The 'Step into Wonder' pop-up at the La Brea Tar Pits will run through April 23, 2026.
  • The opening night event took place on April 18, 2026.

The players

National Geographic

A media and education company known for its iconic yellow-bordered magazine, nature documentaries, and exploration initiatives.

Disney

The multinational entertainment conglomerate that owns National Geographic, as well as Pixar, Disney+, and Hulu.

Piper Curda

The voice actress who plays Mabel in Pixar's animated film 'Hoppers'.

Dr. Sammy Ramsey

A National Geographic Explorer and entomologist featured in the 'Secrets of the Bees' docu-series.

La Brea Tar Pits

A famous paleontological site in Los Angeles, California, known for its rich fossil deposits.

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What they’re saying

“I think connecting with nature makes you a little more human. It reminds you of things that are smaller than you, and it reminds you of things that are bigger than you. And being reminded of those things, I think makes you a more caring and empathetic person, and we could always use more of those.”

— Piper Curda, Voice of Mabel in 'Hoppers'

“It's important for people to recognize that even though insects, primarily like, bees, aren't heavily represented in the tar pits themselves, you know that they were here because of some of the flowers and things that are represented in the tar pits. We know that these flowering plants were pollinated by bees, or insects related to bees, and so these things wouldn't exist otherwise. We can see their presence, even though the tar itself isn't actually the best chemical substrate to preserve the insects themselves.”

— Dr. Sammy Ramsey, National Geographic Explorer and Entomologist

What’s next

The 'Step into Wonder' pop-up at the La Brea Tar Pits will continue through April 23, 2026, offering families and nature enthusiasts the chance to explore the grounds and connect with the natural world.

The takeaway

This collaboration between National Geographic and Disney showcases their shared commitment to inspiring wonder and appreciation for the environment. By bringing this immersive experience to the iconic La Brea Tar Pits, they are making nature exploration accessible and engaging for the local community, especially during Earth Month.