Butterfly Appreciation Day
June 24 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT
Free
Join Merritt Island Wildlife Association and the UF/IFAS Brevard Discovery Garden for a special Butterfly Appreciation Day celebrating the beauty and importance of butterflies and other pollinators. Held in conjunction with National Pollinator Week, this engaging program will explore butterfly identification, life cycles, pollinator-friendly gardening, and the vital role these insects play in healthy ecosystems.
Participants will gain insights from local experts who will share practical knowledge about butterflies, pollinator habitats, and ways to contribute to conservation efforts:
- Ed Perry, retired Florida Park Service Ranger, will provide an introduction to butterfly biology, including life cycles, food sources, and practical identification tips.
- Rochelle Hood, Executive Director of Merritt Island Wildlife Association, will share butterfly identification tools and resources to help participants recognize common species and contribute to community science efforts.
- Sally Scalara, UF/IFAS Urban Horticultural Agent, who will discuss creating pollinator habitat and gardening for butterflies in small spaces.
The program concludes with a guided walk through the Brevard Discovery Garden’s pollinator gardens, where participants will help conduct a butterfly count while observing butterflies and other pollinators visiting host and nectar plants throughout the garden. Take home a pollinator-themed keepsake from our selection of merchandise and continue celebrating butterflies and bees long after the event ends. Pollinator-inspired door prizes will provide lucky participants with even more opportunities to learn about these important species.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the butterflies in your backyard, Butterfly Appreciation Day offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate National Pollinator Week while learning how to support pollinators in your own community.