SPENCERVILLE, Ohio (WLIO) - Area families had the opportunity to learn about the prairie ecosystem and butterflies with the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District.
As part of Johnny Appleseed's "Prairie Fairies" program, families grabbed their butterfly nets and attempted to catch some of the prairie’s butterflies. While walking the trails, participants learned about the importance of prairies as pollinator generators, with the butterfly serving as an example of a pollinator. The event also raised awareness about prairies, which are among the most endangered habitats.
“We hear a lot about the Amazon Rainforest as an endangered habitat, but prairies are even more endangered as only 1% of original growth prairies remain, but here in Allen County, we have several amazing prairie restorations. The Cottonwood Trail is one of them, and so, just getting outside and celebrating that and experiencing this really rare and special ecosystem,” says Marie Walton, Naturalist, JAMPD.
Walton adds that for those who like butterflies and moths, a Sky Fishing program will take place Aug. 29 at 9 p.m. in the forest section of Kendrick Woods.
