Gathering Place Hosts Monarch Butterfly Tour

Gathering Place visitors got a free tour to learn about monarch butterflies Thursday.

Those on the tour learned about the differences between males and females, their migration patterns, and how to track them. Susan McCalman decided to come to the Gathering Place to spend some time outside and to learn more about monarchs.

"I'm a big gardener and I have milkweed plants to attract monarchs so I wanted to hear the experts talk about them," said McCalman.

She enjoyed learning about the different types of monarchs and all they go through for their migration.

"I learned the difference between a male and a female, the males have little dots on their wings,” said McCalman. “They get their energy in the fall, so that's why they like the blooming things. And then the spring is when they lay their eggs."

The goal of these walks is to show all the things Gathering Place has and all the ways it changes during the different seasons. They hope people will learn more about their environment.

“This park has so much to offer, not just the natural environment but bringing the community together so I get excited watching guests come and learn from our staff, our amazing horticulture team, and just taking advantage of everything the park has to offer," said Bailey Adkison, the Education Manager for the Gathering Place.

McCalman says she’s glad she went to the walk.

"It was a beautiful day, and so informative,” said McCalman. “I really didn't know much about monarchs until today but I thought it would be a fun little outing and now I can tag a monarch, maybe."

The next walk will be on October 13th and focused on the fall colors. The walk is open to everyone but you do have to sign up online.