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.
Butterflies spread their wings and flew in New Bremen on Monday night, all for a good cause. The Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities released the butterflies to celebrate their new "Wings and Blooms Community Garden."
The USDA reports that one out of every three bites of food we eat is thanks to animal pollinators. As home gardeners, there are ways we can help provide what is needed for bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators to survive.
The Kiwanis Club and two of its sponsored clubs plan to plant pollinator gardens this spring. According to Hodges, gardens can be any size and are easy to maintain.
Dozens gathered at the Allen County Board of Disabilities for the annual Butterfly Memorial to celebrate the lives of those they've lost and release butterflies in their honor. The Allen County Board of DD's Butterfly Garden was originally meant as a way to honor those they've served who have since passed away. Now in its third year, it's grown to 155 butterflies. Of the 30 added this year, only 12 were served by the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities. For many families, honoring their loved one in a garden full of flowers and having their name etched on a butterfly is a great reflection of the personality and life of the one they lost.
The Allen County Fair is no stranger to tradition year after year, and regular attendees will know that there are always fun shows and activities to take part in while they spend their time at the fair.
The “Brown Bag” series at the Children’s Garden continuing today as avid gardeners learned about host plants and what flowers attract butterflies. Milkweed is a good host plant for the caterpillars while coneflowers and daisies are loved by the butterflies. Master Gardeners say it’s important we work to provide a welcoming home for the insects.
