By Laurie Brown, Recreation Supervisor
As spring returns, it brings our favorite butterfly back with it.
The offspring of monarchs that overwintered in Mexico will soon start their multi-generational journey to the northern United States and Canada. College Station and areas across Texas are fortunate to witness the spectacular migration.
In celebration of our favorite winged friend, the Parks and Recreation Department hosts its annual Monarch March event on Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon at the Gary Halter Nature Center. The free, family-friendly, come-and-go event features educational booths, games, and handy tips for creating a waystation or butterfly garden at home.
Here’s what to expect:
- Create your pollinator waystation by learning what pollinators are in our area and what native plants attract and deter them. You can also register your existing waystation.
- Learn from hands-on activities about the monarch’s life cycle and legendary migration.
- Be part of Lick Creek conservation with our seed ball tosses and plantings.
- Pollinator-themed activities, including life cycle crafts, monarch mimic games, chalk art, and more.
- Learn about the threats that monarchs face by running a monarch obstacle course with the Brazos Valley Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists.
- Get your garden ready with the Post Oak Chapter of the Native Plant Society plant sale. Sales start at 9 a.m., and supplies are limited.
- Learn how to help save monarchs and other wildlife with your phone or smart device.
- Participate in the pollinator scavenger hunt, flower tug of war, and pollinator relay races.
- Pull invasive plants in the gardens to allow our native milkweeds to grow and feed future generations.
Additional parking is available at the Lick Creek equestrian entrance off Rock Prairie Road.
Let’s welcome the iconic black and orange butterflies back to Aggieland!
Butterfly Alley
Butterfly Alley is taking flight at Lick Creek Park. The .15-mile walking trail is being transformed into a pollinator paradise thanks to the generous support of Jim and Jan Hughes.
An improved path later this spring will feature pollinator habitats and self-guided interactive learning panels covering the monarchs’ lifecycle and ways you can help stop their decline.
For more information, visit cstx.gov/LickCreek or call 979-764-6216.
About the Blogger
Laurie Brown is in her third year as a recreation supervisor in the Parks and Recreation Department.
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