The flutter of hundreds of monarch butterflies drew thousands of visitors to Lake Katherine Nature Center this past weekend for the 32nd annual Monarch Butterfly Celebration & Maker’s Market.
The two-day festival, held Sept. 20-21, featured the return of the popular butterfly tent, where more than 500 monarchs were released for attendees to walk among. Visitors signed up for timed entries, ensuring small groups could linger inside as butterflies drifted across the air and landed on shoulders, hair and outstretched hands.
“This is an annual tradition to celebrate the monarch butterfly migration down to Mexico, how we can make a difference in these creatures’ lives and other pollinators, and also to celebrate the cultural significance of these charismatic creatures,” said Gareth Blakesley, director and chief naturalist at Lake Katherine.
Sarina Lagermann echoed Blakesley’s sentiments.
“It’s a great way to get the entire family out and enjoy nature,” Lagermann, of Oak Forest, said.
In addition to the butterfly tent, this year’s festival introduced a new Maker’s Market, which was free to the public and showcased local artisans and vendors. For those who purchased admission to the butterfly experience, the weekend also included hayrides, scarecrow making, live animal demonstrations and educational displays about pollinators.
Blakesley said the celebration is a chance to spark awareness about the plight of the monarchs.
“Monarch butterfly populations have struggled with a general decline in their migrating number. However, the insect shows great resilience,” he said. “If we provide the right protected habitat in Mexico, nature corridors throughout North America, and if we plant milkweed and pollinator plants such as blazing star, goldenrod and asters in our gardens, we can all help expand this butterfly’s resilience and give them the best chance at surviving in greater numbers.”
The event has become Lake Katherine’s signature celebration and one of the largest in the area. For many attendees, the highlight remained that unforgettable walk through a tent filled with 500 monarchs — a fleeting encounter with one of nature’s most resilient travelers.
