September is peak Monarch butterfly migration month, when monarchs migrate south to Mexico over a 2,500 mile journey. Be part of a citizen science project through https://monarchwatch.org/ that helps tag monarchs through their migration route in West Virginia. Start at the nature center for a general talk on monarch life cycle, monarch migration and conservation efforts the park staff is doing to protect the species.
Catching wild monarch butterflies with nets will be attempted at several locations including: the nature center Monarch Way Station, a two-acre pollinator field, and a location near the main park entrance. If caught, the butterfly will be tagged with a small adhesive sticker in efforts to track their migration to Mexico. Most importantly, you will learn how to contribute to Monarch conservation!
This is a free, family-friendly event with no preregistration required. Meet at the nature center at 1 p.m.