Have You Tagged A Monarch Butterfly? September 19, 2009

It is the time of year when Monarch butterflies are making their trek back to the mountains of Mexico on this annual pilgrimage. This tagging event assists the Monarch Watch organization in tracking the monarchs on their journey. We will gather in the Visitors Center and make our way out to the Idea Garden. Once there, Lauren Fox will describe the process of tagging and give a bit of history about why and how it is done. We will supply butterfly nets, approximately one per family, and the space for capturing the butterflies. Weather permitting, we typically detain about eight butterflies and then let the child that netted the butterfly apply the identification sticker. After the sticker is applied the butterfly is released to continue on with its journey (and a great hurrah from all participants!). The corresponding number on the sticker is documented and returned to Monarch Watch for their further study. Bring the whole family! It is educational and amazing to all ages. You are also welcome to bring your own butterfly nets to this event.