Legacy Grove Park recognizes women in science
Published 11:30 am Friday, February 20, 2026
WINCHESTER — Legacy Grove Park’s walking paths now double as an open-air tribute to women in science. The International Women and Girls in Science Walking Tour features 16 outdoor panels spotlighting global female scientists and runs through mid-March in honor of the United Nations’ observance on February 11.
Anna Campomanes, who coordinates programming at the 30-acre park, created the exhibit as part of the venue’s “walking exhibits” series. These self-guided installations deliver educational content to casual visitors—especially valuable in winter when fewer people attend indoor events.
The United Nations launched International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015 to encourage equal access to STEM and address ongoing gender barriers. Campomanes selected the theme to celebrate women scientists and underscore science’s universal reach.
“Science is one of those things where it all hopefully benefits the human species, and the best way that happens is crossing international lines,” she explained. “I wanted to remind folks that we’re all part of this world together.”
The 16 honorees come from multiple continents and career stages, spanning paleontology, biology, physics, marine science, viral immunology, and other fields. Campomanes intentionally included early-career innovators alongside seasoned researchers to demonstrate that pursuing STEM has no expiration date.
“There’s no time that says you can’t be a 50-year-old woman and … study marine biology,” she said. “Girl, you can go ahead and do that.”
A standout profile is Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, the viral immunologist whose earlier work on coronavirus spike proteins helped speed development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
The exhibit also highlights paleontologists studying ancient life, physicists probing fundamental laws, and researchers addressing worldwide health issues.
Campomanes emphasized that genuine diversity — in geography, age, discipline, and real-world impact—strengthens scientific progress.
“Different people thinking differently … contribute to a general knowledge of how we understand the world around us,” she noted.
In a close-knit community like Winchester, the display gently nudges residents to consider the wider world. Campomanes hopes it ignites curiosity among girls and women eyeing STEM paths while reassuring adults of any age that new beginnings are always possible.
“If it reaches one person in Winchester, I think that’s pretty incredible,” she said. “That all that this time and effort and energy … is worth it, for real.”
Now in its second year, the exhibit welcomes both repeat visitors and first-timers. Panels line the park’s ADA-accessible trails, ensuring accessibility for walkers, joggers, and strollers alike. The display fits Legacy Grove’s growing focus on science and environmental education.
Upcoming events include a Star Party with the Pinnacles Astronomy Club on March 21, Rockets in Winchester Day with model rocket launches on April 4, and the sixth annual Earth Day celebration on April 18, featuring environmental science activities and a sustainable fashion show.
Through these global stories set against local trails, Legacy Grove fosters inspiration, broadens perspectives, and nurtures lifelong curiosity—one step at a time.