Learn why butterflies are so magical in September
Enjoy butterflies? They’re definitely among Nature’s Not-To-Be-Missed. Why don’t you come help Monarch Watch’s study of cross-continental monarch migration by netting monarchs as they are en route to their winter havens in Mexico?
Monarch Butterfly Tagging returns to Geauga Park District from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 9, at Frohring Meadows, 16780 Savage Road in Bainbridge Township, then again on Sunday, September 16, at Swine Creek Reservation, Lake Side, 16004 Hayes Road in Middlefield/Parkman Townships.
Not only will you get to enter each butterfly’s life for a few moments, but your name will also be recorded with each tagging, so you can be contacted in case of another recovery along the way or in a Mexican wintering area.
And they are recovered!
This past February, a tagged monarch was recovered in Mexico 179 days after being tagged at the 2011 county fair by Geauga Park District. Three monarchs were also recovered the previous January and March in Mexico; 145 and 190 days after being tagged at the 2010 county fair by Geauga Park District, and 138 days after being tagged at a public Monarch Butterfly Tagging program at Swine Creek Reservation.
This program begins with an overview of the monarch life cycle, followed by collecting north of the shelter. Join in at any time, or watch naturalists tag butterflies from the sidelines. Feel free to catch other insects with meadow homes, too. But no collecting for removal from the park – it is their home, after all! Visitors can also play Monarch Migration, a life-sized board game along a paved trail, dramatizing the hazards of this amazing journey.
Registration is not required for this free activity which is open to all ages and partially wheelchair / stroller accessible, depending on your level of participation. Sun protection, socks, hats, and long pants are recommended for moving through meadow environments. Nets are provided, but it’s also OK to bring your own. Call 440-286-9516 with questions.
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