Blooming Butterflies

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Shanna Wolf Photography

Olbrich Gardens hosts its annual Blooming Butterflies event in the Bolz Conservatory in July and August.

No matter the season, the exotic plants, birds, and burbling pools of Olbrich Gardens' indoor Bolz Conservatory are magical. Each summer, it's extra special when the butterflies take up residence for a few fleeting, fluttering weeks. Almost 20 different species can be observed, including sometimes right at hatching inside two chrysalis cases. Kids can follow up a conservatory visit with a pollinator-themed scavenger hunt in the outdoor gardens, and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 28, Butterfly Action Day provides info on how to help threatened butterfly populations.

media release: During Blooming Butterflies, the outdoor gardens spotlight relationships between plants and pollinators with an 'I SPY' Pollinators scavenger hunt. A pollinator themed children's book is displayed as a StoryWalk along Starkweather Creek. And every child that attends Blooming Butterflies receives a coupon for a free junior scoop from our friends at Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream!

You can prepare for your visit by watching the Blooming Butterflies welcome video.

The life span of different butterflies varies from a few weeks to a few months. All flying butterflies live out their natural lives in the Conservatory, with food sources remaining for them after the exhibit dates.

Admission paid at the door - no advance reservations: $8 - Adults (ages 13 & up); $5 - Children (ages 6 - 12); Free - ages 5 & under; Free for Olbrich Members

Butterfly Action Day: Friday, July 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Join us for a special day with representatives from local monarch conservation organizations! Interactive displays focused on monarch butterflies will highlight what you can do to help the population. Monarchs make one of the longest known insect migration on earth and everyone can make a difference in supporting their spectacular journey! No cost to attend or participate, but there is a separate cost to enter Blooming Butterflies.

GROUP VISITS: School groups, daycares, camps, bus tours, and other groups are welcome to visit Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies. We hope you will join us for this truly amazing event and register your group for a visit.

Groups larger than 10 people must register in advance. Please contact Education Registrar Rebecca Benedict at 608-245-3648 to schedule a time for your group to visit so we can provide the best experience possible for you as well as for other visitors. Limited dates and times may be available for group visits.

For adult groups visiting, one group leader will receive free admission into the exhibit. For youth groups visiting, one adult for every ten children will receive free admission into the exhibit, and any additional adults will be charged the regular admission pricing.

Payment can be made on arrival with the Event Manager. Cash, check, debit, or credit card are accepted. Please do not bring carry-in food or drink into the building. Outdoor picnic areas are available nearby.