Door County nature enthusiasts have an opportunity to learn more about a most unusual insect.
Monarch butterfly with tag
The monarch butterfly is one of only a few insects that migrate to a warmer climate for the winter. Their unique wing structure and yearly life cycle makes it possible to travel thousands of miles to wintering areas in Mexico and southern California.
Learn more about these colorful migrants during a program on Monarch Tagging, sponsored by the Ridges Sanctuary. This program will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 27 and 28, from 10 – 11:30 am. The same program will be presented each day. The programs will be held at The Ridges’ Marshall Cabin, and are designed for all ages, but children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.
During this hands-on program, participants will learn many details about this fascinating butterfly. We will look at the different stages in the monarch’s life cycle, and learn how to raise them from egg to adult. We’ll also discuss the amazing migration of monarchs from Wisconsin to their wintering areas in Mexico, and their multi-generational return in the spring. We’ll finish by capturing and tagging as many butterflies as we can, in order to track them on their migration routes.
The Marshall Cabin is located at 8288 Hwy Q, Baileys Harbor. Cost for this program is $10 per family (1 or 2 adults and their children under 18). Advance registration is requested by calling 920.839.2802.
Monarch Tagging is part of a series of programs called “No Family Left Inside.” These programs are offered by the Door County YMCA and The Ridges, and are designed to give parents and children the opportunity to explore nature together. Through these outdoor adventures, families can re-connect with the natural world and with each other.
The Ridges Sanctuary is a non-profit nature preserve located just north of Baileys Harbor. Trails are open to the public year round for a small fee (members may hike at no charge). Naturalist-led hikes in the Sanctuary are scheduled at 1:30 pm Monday through Saturday, until August 31. In September, guided hikes will be given at 1:30 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Nature Store, featuring a wide selection of nature-related books, puppets, T-shirts and gift items, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and 12 noon to 3 pm Sundays. If you need additional information call the Ridges office at 920.839.2802. Information and program schedules are also available on the Ridges Sanctuary website, www.RidgesSanctuary.org.
