Saturday, October 15, 9:30 a.m.
Monarch Mania on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail – Monarch Butterfly Release
(Generation Four), Pollinator Program and Guided Walk
Since the 2022 spring release at the Butterfly garden, a lot has transpired in the monarch’s journey from Arkansas. Those Hot Springs “first generation” butterflies flew northward, and laid eggs. Those eggs (second generation) also became adults, heading as far north as Canada and the northern US. The eggs laid by the second generation became the “third generation”, and began their journey south to start the final “fourth or super generation. October’s release will contain the Super Generation (4th), and their destination is the Trans volcanic Mountains of Central Mexico. There, these “fourths” will overwinter in the oyamel trees there, many in Biosphere reserves. Next March, this generation will mate, and return to the lower 48 states to lay their eggs. Thus, the monarch’s life cycle begins anew-the longest insect migration in N. America.
The monarch migration has been delayed this year, due to weather and drought conditions in their summer breeding grounds-BUT THEY’RE BACK!!! Those wishing to witness the magic of observing monarch butterflies will want to attend this event. There will be a photo booth, information on monarchs and other pollinators, and opportunities to learn how we can help monarchs. Don’t miss this event!
Join the City of Hot Springs Parks and Trails Department and the Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalists for Monarch Mania and a Guided walk along the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail on Saturday, October 15, 9:30 a.m.
The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Guided Walk along the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail. The walk will begin in the area of the Veterans Memorial at the Transportation Depot. The distance to the Butterfly Garden is 0.75 miles. The total distance of the walk will be 1.5 miles along a smooth, paved surface. Along the way you will be introduced to the rich plant diversity of one of Hot Springs many parks. A program on the Butterfly Garden, Pollinators, and the Release of Monarch Butterflies (Generation Four) will be given by Certified Master Naturalists Karen Hicks and Loretta West at the Butterfly Garden located at the junction of the Greenway Trail and Runyon St. Those not wanting to make the walk can drive to the Butterfly Garden. Parking is available in the area of the intersection of Valley and Runyan streets. The program will start at approximately 10:00 a.m. This activity is weather dependent, and will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. ALL AGES WELCOME!