On Tuesday, June 25 at 6pm, we held a painted lady butterfly release on the Red Alder Trail!
Inspired by the local Champlain Heights Annex school, who raise butterflies for release each year, Free the Fern Executive Director, Grace, had ordered the catterpillars from Education Station. She then had raised the butterflies from catterpillars over the past 2.5 weeks. She cared for the catterpillars at her home, watching them transform into chrysalis, and then emerge, ready to be released onto the trail.
At 6pm, we welcomed community members to attend the release. It turned out to be popular event for families with young children. Everyone eagerly gathered at the Douglas Fir Teaching Garden and then we walked together, down the Red Alder Trail, to our pollinator garden.
Beside blooming Douglas aster and woolly sunflower, Grace opened the butterfly enclosure and welcomed the butterfly to fly free. Some were a bit hesitant, so Grace offered her finger for the butterflies to climb on. She then gently placed them on a flower, before they flew away. Several children were invited to stretch out their hands for a butterfly to rest on. It was truly a magical, special moment for all those present!
