Explore the Grand Saga of the Monarch Butterfly Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m. – 10:30 am

by Phyllis McLeod Laslett, Adult Education Coordinator, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Monarch on Milkweed

When I was about ten (never mind when that was) I was playing in a neighbor’s yard when a stream of Monarch butterflies came through.  It was a gray early fall day—probably late September, just like now.  Suddenly the yard was filled with hundreds of fluttering Monarch butterflies!  They swooped low and flew all around me!  It was a magical moment I’ve never forgotten.  Now, I know the even more magical story that these unusual butterflies migrate from North America all the way to the central highlands of Mexico where the high altitude rain forest serves as blanket, umbrella, and hot water bottle. It’s a migration unique in nature.

On Saturday, September 26, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts international Monarch expert, Dr. Lincoln Brower, as he explains how the butterflies have adapted, examines new and ongoing threats to this fragile migration cycle, and shares promising conservation initiatives and new research updates.  He should know, having conducted research on these overwintering sites since 1977!  Come to the illustrated lecture, then visit the Monarch metamorphosis exhibit in the Conservatory!  Look for Monarchs and more butterflies in the Garden!