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Track a pollinator migration at butterfly festival

Follow a butterfly’s annual migration from the Midwest to Mexico at the Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, from July 21 to August 8.

The festival begins in the glass-walled Martha Jane Phillips Starr Butterfly Conservatory, which will have more than a 1,000 butterflies and moths flying among tropical plants that are native to the natural habitats of these pollinators. Visitors can witness metamorphosis from chrysalis to butterfly and cocoon to moth as each takes flight for the very first time.

Visitors can also follow an outdoor trail that traces the migratory path of the monarch butterfly. The journey continues Seed to Plate Greenhouse, which will be transformed into a replica of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán, Mexico, a World Heritage Site where monarch butterflies spend the winter months. Follow the Butterfly Meadow to the Caterpillar Petting Zoo to learn about the life cycle of these important pollinators. After arriving at your final destination, enter the Native Butterfly Habitat to check out the local butterflies.

Several extra butterfly events are planned, including a Butterfly Breakfast, the Pollinator Playground, Butterfly Parade, Fountain Garden Slushie Stand and Moon Gardening Tour.

A Festival of Butterflies Member Preview is scheduled from 4 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 21. Find information on additional festival events, admission and hours at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO.

Photo: Powell Gardens

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