Francisco Gutiérrez

press release: In August 2005, Mexican filmmaker and pilot Francisco Gutiérrez took off in his ultralight aircraft from Montreal to follow the monarch butterflies on their 6,000 km migration from Canada to the mountains of central Mexico.  Photos from Gutierrez’s amazing journey are featured in the traveling exhibition On the Trail of the Monarch Butterfly, on view at the Verona Public Library from August 19 through September 29.

Gutiérrez undertook the flight in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the butterflies’ habitat. In collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum produced the exhibition from the material recorded by Gutiérrez on his journey aboard the Papalotzin – the nickname of his ultralight aircraft, which means small butterfly in the Aztec language.

programs: Opening Reception Thursday, August 22, 6 – 6:30 p.m. followed by:

Dwindling Number for an Iconic Insect: A Conservation Biologist Ponders Moving Beyond the Documentation of Declines: Thursday, August 22, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Karen Oberhauser, Director of the UW-Madison Arboretum, will describe the amazing biology of migratory monarch populations, how citizens and scientists are documenting monarch numbers across their migratory cycle and what we can do to help preserve this charismatic insect for generations to come.

Papalotzin - The Flight of the Monarch Butterfly - Film Screening, Friday, September 6, 1 – 2 p.m.; Monday, September 23, 10 – 11 a.m. and 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Mexican filmmaker and pilot Francisco Gutiérrez  documented his 72-day adventure following the migration of some 50 million monarch butterflies in an ultralight plane decorated with the colors of the monarch butterfly from Canada to Mexico. Screen time 60 minutes.

Importance of Native Species and How They Directly Relate to the Monarch Butterfly, Tuesday, September 10, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Michelle Stowers, Nursery Ecologist from Agrecol Native Nursery, will discuss why native species are vital to the monarch butterfly. Stowers will also discuss how to rear your own caterpillars through metamorphosis. Complimentary milkweed seeds will be available.

How to Tag a Butterfly, Monday, September 16, 10 – 11 a.m.: Learn how to tag monarch butterflies so their path from Wisconsin to Mexico can be tracked. Staff from Madison Audubon will assist. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants.

Autumn in the Prairie, Tuesday, September 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. : Take a guided walk through Badger Prairie Park with Dane County Parks Botanist/Naturalist Lars Higdon. Learn about the importance of natural areas in our urban landscape and identify fall blooming prairie plants, including those that are beneficial to migrating monarch butterflies and other pollinators. This event is currently full.

“Stained Glass Monarch” Charcoal Drawing, Tuesday, September 24, 6 – 8:30 p.m.:  Explore the fun of drawing with charcoal. Instructor and artist Robert Gorder will provide step-by-step instructions. Take home your masterpiece charcoal drawing, a matte, and a protective sleeve. No drawing experience required. All supplies provided. Registration is required and limited to 30 participants.