- The Majestic Monarchs species preservation event returns to the Botanical Gardens September 19 to 20
- The public is invited to participate in the tag and release program facilitated by Niagara Parks staff to track annual migration patterns of Monarch butterflies
- Free educational program provides information on how everyone can participate in of the species
- For more information, visit com/majesticmonarchs
- Media Assets are available here
Niagara Falls, ON – Niagara Parks is proud to welcome guests to the popular Majestic Monarchs event, offering a unique opportunity to experience one of nature’s most remarkable migrations and witness the Monarch butterfly’s full life cycle, from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. This free, family-friendly event returns to the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20.
Experience One of Nature’s Greatest Migrations
The program includes live demonstrations of Monarch tagging, followed by the release of these incredible creatures as they begin their epic migration south toward Mexico. Tag and release demonstrations will start at 11 a.m. and run until 2 p.m. while supplies last. This beloved educational event will take place in front of the Butterfly Conservatory, within the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture.
Monarch butterflies play an essential role in the survival of many ecosystems across the continent as important pollinators. The tagging portion of the event enables researchers to monitor the Monarch population within the Niagara region, gather data on their migration patterns, understand how they are adapting to our environment and determine the actions needed to protect their habitats.
Every butterfly tagged during the course of the two-day event can be tracked on Monarch Watch, a non-profit program at the University of Kansas, dedicated to Monarch conservation, habitat and migration research.
Meet Award-Winning Nature Author Dana Church
Visitors can also meet Waterloo-based author Dana Church, who will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days signing copies of her book, The Monarch Effect: Surviving Poison, Predators, and People. The book explores the remarkable journey of the Monarch butterfly, the importance of protecting its habitat and its impact on ecosystems around the world.
Church is an award-winning nonfiction author whose books explore the natural world and engage readers ranging from curious eight-year-olds to adult science enthusiasts. Her work has been recognized by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Nature Generation, TIME for Kids and the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada.
Environmental Stewardship at Niagara Parks
As part of its mandate, Niagara Parks has a long-standing commitment to environmental preservation and the Majestic Monarchs tag and release program invites public participation, which is critical to improving local conservation efforts.
To support Monarchs and other pollinators, Niagara Parks offers a pollinator garden route featuring 12 gardens along the length of the Niagara River corridor from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake, complete with interpretive signs featuring the work of local Indigenous artists. For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/pollinatorgardens.
Media assets are available here.
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