August 22, 2023 – Rock Springs Conservation Area, in collaboration with Macon County 4-H and the University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardeners, will host ‘Monarch Madness’ on Saturday, September 23 for families to enjoy an afternoon of fun and learn more about the orange and black pollinators.
Weighing less than one gram, monarch butterflies populate the Midwest more than any other American region, according to the United States Forest Service. Early fall is the best time to see the insects spread their beautiful wings, and locals of all ages are invited to Rock Springs from 2-4 p.m. next month to enjoy an afternoon of activities and education related to monarchs.
“Area youth can experience being a butterfly in the virtual reality tent, doing butterfly yoga or completing the lifecycle obstacle course at this year’s event,” Whitney Allison, the Extension Office’s horticulture program coordinator, said in a press release. “We will also be tagging monarchs that we catch and release from the meadow, which allows us to track the migration of the butterflies as they make their way to Mexico.”
All activities are free, and the Mimi’s Frosty ice cream truck will be on site with treats available for purchase. Advance registration by September 20 is recommended.
For more information, click HERE.
