A few months ago here at the Nature Center, I was looking through photographs that had been taken at Woodland Dunes over the course of 40 years and found one of myself at 10 years old. I was here for an overnight stay with my school and I still remember learning about animal tracks. I even remember diving into a hot stack of buttermilk pancakes in the morning! These memories that we make as children will stay with us forever. Now 13 years later, I am able to be a part of this great organization in a new way.
I was hired as the Marketing and Development Coordinator last year in August, so this is the first year I was actually able to help with Butterfly Fest. So much coordination and organization goes into an event such as this, and it makes me feel great that I can be a part of that.
Jess Johnsrud, our Education Coordinator, started the morning off with a butterfly program inside the Nature Center. On-going activities included, Ann Shebesta with her live caterpillars and butterflies in their different stages of life, and a butterfly rearing program.
Next to Ann, Gary Sydow set up his honey extraction demonstrations and live bee display.
Outside, we had staff, interns and volunteers helping with paper making, butterfly garden scavenger hunts, butterfly crafts and a nature hike! We even had butterfly cookies and lemonade for sale.
Our staff here at the Nature Center prides itself on being able to stay involved in the community year round. We offer programs that reach many different experience levels.
On September 2nd, Ann Shebesta will be back at the Nature Center for a Monarch Tagging Program from 4:30-6:00pm. Come and experience seeing butterflies tagged first hand and learn about how you can help.
Keep an eye on our events calendar! We have many different programs and events for any age. We are here as a resource and love when visitors come to the Nature Center and explore. When you care about something, you make it a priority. Woodland Dunes Nature Center’s staff hopes you can take advantage of our free or low cost programming, nature trails and Little Wings Play Area.