Annual Butterfly Exhibit Helps 4-H Children’s Gardens Celebrate 15 Years

3/18/08

Contact: Michelle Lavra
517-432-1555, ext. 156
or
Jessica Albright
517-355-5191, ext. 1327

For Immediate Release

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Escape the cool weather and immerse yourself in a world of butterflies! Learn how and what they eat and how they feed, how they fly, what relationships they form and how they roost at night during the Butterflies in the Garden exhibit at the Indoor 4-H Children’s Garden at Michigan State University, now through April 30. Visitors to the live butterfly exhibit will be able to see and touch many species of butterflies, including zebras and other swallowtails, painted ladies, red admirals and monarchs.
           
“The start of Butterflies in the Garden always means two things: spring and lots of visitors,” said Jessica Albright, education coordinator for the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens. “We house only U.S. native species, most of which are native to Michigan, so our visitors see butterflies that they may be able to see in their backyards in the summer.”
           
This exhibit offers local schools, community clubs and other groups an excellent opportunity for hands-on field trips that allow students to interact with the butterflies and view their life cycles and can incorporate science, art, writing and entertainment into a pleasant learning experience.  It’s also a great activity for parents to enjoy with their children.

For more information on scheduling a field trip, contact the tour coordinator at (517) 256-9915.

On April 12 (a Saturday), the garden holds its annual Butterfly Day from 2 to 4 p.m. This family-oriented program boasts numerous activities to engage children of all ages, including a butterfly hunt, scientific investigation and art projects. Call (517) 355-5191, ext. 1327, or e-mail garden4h@msu.edu for more information. Admission for Butterfly Day is $5 per child (there is no charge for adults).
           
Butterflies in the Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge, but parking on weekdays is $3 for the visitor parking lot at the gardens’ Bogue Street entrance. Parking is free on weekends. For additional information, directions to the gardens or field trip information, go to http://4hgarden.msu.edu/butterflies/.
           
The Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens are celebrating their 15th anniversary this year. Funded through donations made to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, the gardens provide a beautiful learning environment that inspires imagination infused with science. A birthday party will take place in the gardens August 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, with a reception in the evening. For more information on the birthday celebration or Butterflies in the Garden, contact Jessica Albright at (517) 355-5191, ext. 1327.
#ml#
return to news | back to top