THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN: STRATEGIC PLANTS THAT ATTRACT AND RAISE BUTTERFLIES

Freedom Park Interpretive Center, 10:00 a.m., open to the public. Master Naturalist and experienced butterfly raiser, Joni Carlson, will cover butterfly life cycles and let us know how to grow plants that sustain a variety of butterfly species. Her focus will be on the importance of native plants, especially milkweeds, and on a "natural" rather than a manicured garden in order to support butterflies. In addition, Joni will have information and samples on some of the many moths in the area. She also will speak on how you can become a citizen scientist to monitor and tag monarchs, and what it takes to turn your yard into a certified monarch way station. Joni will use live samples to illustrate butterfly life cycle stages. If possible, after the program, monarchs will be tagged and released in the Garden. This event is part of the Learn and Grow Educational Series sponsored by the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. The program is free, although a $5.00 donation to hep the Garden grow is appreciated. For more information, email Joni at waystation7576@gmail.com

After the program, Master Gardeners will be in the Garden to answer questions and talk about what is in bloom.