By David Klassen
Volunteers are still needed as the Living Prairie Museum hosts the 3rd Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival on Sunday.
A guided prairie hike will kick things off at noon with a naturalist taking visitors on a stroll to show them why Living Prairie Museum is the perfect place for many butterflies.
The rest of the day is scheduled as follows:
12:15 p.m. — Storytelling — Joe McLellan will be reading from his latest children’s story “Nanabosho and the Butterfly”.
1:00 p.m. — Meet a Butterfly Scientist — Join university butterfly research student Jaimee Dupont as she shares her findings from the field.
1:15 p.m. — Second Guided Prairie Hike — Take a stroll with a naturalist and learn why Living Prairie Museum is the perfect place for many butterflies.
2:00 p.m. — “Interpreting the Language of Butterfly Wing Colours” — Join Dr. Jeffrey Marcus for a discussion on the unique and colourful patterns of butterflies.
Storytelling — Joe McLellan will be reading from his latest children’s story “Nanabosho and the Butterfly”.
3:00 p.m. — Butterfly Gardening Workshop — Learn how to create your own butterfly garden using native prairie plants. John Morgan of Prairie Habitats teaches you the tips and tricks to create a backyard butterfly oasis.
Butterfly Boulevard Planting Party — Calling all kids! Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty by helping us plant a butterfly garden on the boulevard!
3:45 p.m. — Butterfly release and Closing Ceremonies — Door prize and colouring contest winners will be announced.
All-day activities include life-cycle displays, crafts, face-painting and activities for all ages.
The Monarch Butterfly Festival runs until 4 p.m. at 2795 Ness Avenue.
Admission to the event is free, but donations will be gladly accepted. For more information or to volunteer, call the museum at 832-0167.
