Incredible Monarch Butterflies

Monarch butterflies are known for their incredible mass migration that brings millions of them to California and Mexico each winter. According to National Geographic, North American monarchs are the only butterflies that make such a long journey—up to 3,000 miles! Come and learn more about these beautiful creatures at Bernardsville Public Library on Thursday, May 26 at 7:00 pm from Bernardsville resident Kathleen Palmer, assisted by members of Girl Scout Troop #477 who are working on their silver award, "The Butterfly Movement."

Kathleen Palmer grew up in Michigan and fell in love with butterflies at the age of eight. Now the owner of Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery in Bernardsville, Ms. Palmer will talk about her experience raising Monarch butterflies, creating a registered Monarch Way Station, and her efforts to save the disappearing Monarch population. At this program, listeners will learn about the Monarch life cycle, the butterflies’ predators, inexpensive ways to make cages, what is needed to create a way station, and the care needed to successfully raise Monarchs in your home.

The members of Girl Scout Troop #477 have planted a garden at Ross Farms to attract the butterflies. In the process, they researched the life cycle of monarch butterflies, plants that attract them, and the migration paths they follow.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.