For the second workshop in the three-part Friends of the Monarch series, we will investigate the needs of a healthy Monarch across its lifecycle: from leaving the egg as a caterpillar through emerging from the chrysalis and as a butterfly.

Each year, the Gardens of Old Salem host many different species of butterfly and other pollinators - we even protect some of them from being squished or eaten by predators by raising them indoors in our Garden Education Center until they're ready to be released! Join us as we welcome recently hatched monarch caterpillars and set them up for success with their host plant. We will also learn the difference between nectar plants and host plants and why it's so crucial to have both in a habitat or pollinator garden.

The installment of the Friends of the Monarch program is a hybrid indoor/outdoor workshop. We will go through the entire lifecycle of the butterfly and learn about what the caterpillars need in their ecosystems to thrive as well as explore the gardens to investigate whether there are any Monarch eggs, caterpillars, or butterflies to be found around our milkweed!

Our gardens here at Old Salem may be wet or muddy on the day of the event, so weather-appropriate clothing and closed toe shoes are required if you choose to join us and take part in supporting monarchs and other pollinators of our region. 

This workshop is suited for ages 16+. Children under the age of 18 registered for this event must be accompanied by a registered adult. Check-in for this program will be at the Garden Education Center within the Single Brothers' Workshop, 10 W. Academy Street (entrance is through the courtyard gate between the buildings, to the right, and up the ramp). Please arrive 15 minutes prior to allow time for check-in!