Learn to Raise Monarch Butterflies
The Waquoit Congregational Church is offering a free hands-on presentation on how to raise monarch butterflies from egg to caterpillar to iconic butterfly on Sunday, May 25, at 11:30 am.
Lead by Mary Kay Fox of the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, the presentation will teach participants the different life stages of the monarch. It also offers easy methods to raise one’s own butterfly with minimal equipment. The presentation includes spectacular full color photographs of monarchs.
The monarch population has dropped nearly 80% over the past two decades because of pesticide use and loss of habitat. Environmentalists have encouraged the planting of milkweed which is the sole food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars. Every person who attends the presentation will receive a milkweed plant ready for planting.
The presentation will take place in the historic 1848 church that has been specially decorated during the Easter season in butterflies. Over 1500 butterflies – mostly monarchs – have been placed throughout the sanctuary in various flight patterns. The landscape architect Derek Bowser of Waquoit designed and curated the exhibit.
Waquoit Church is located at 15 Parsons Lane in Waquoit. The presentation is free and open to all. For more information call the church office at 508-548-5469.
