Adult Programs

Embark on a captivating exploration of the miniature wonders in our ecosystem through a series of Nature Journaling Workshops at the Butterfly Pavilion. Led by an expert artist and environmental educator, each workshop unveils a new topic within the enchanting realm of invertebrates – from butterflies to spiders and beetles. Participants will learn to intricately capture these delicate creatures in their nature journals, combining art and scientific observation. Whether you're an experienced artist or a curious nature enthusiast, join us to delve into the fascinating world of invertebrates, gaining a deeper appreciation for their significance in maintaining the ecological balance. Don't miss the chance to ignite your creativity and understanding of nature in these hands-on, educational workshops.

About the Instructor - Catie Michel: Catie Michel is a seasoned scientific illustrator with a deep-rooted passion for capturing the intricate details of the natural world. With a portfolio that spans numerous publications, exhibitions, and collaborations with leading researchers, Catie brings both artistic finesse and scientific rigor to her instruction. Her ability to intertwine art and science creates an enriching learning experience that encourages participants to view the environment through a new lens.

Topics:

June 22  - Pollinators  

July 27  - Beetles 

August 31 -  Color in the Natural World 

October 26 -  Spiders  

Arachnology is a 1.5-hour class that delves into the captivating world of spiders. Through a mix of informative teaching and visual aids, students will explore the diversity of spiders, their key characteristics, and their ecological significance. This class aims to offer a foundational understanding of spiders, suitable for those curious about these arachnids without the need for extensive time commitments.

Your Instructor: Arachnologist Jackie Billotte M.S

*This class includes live animals*

Little Miss Muffet may have been afraid, but you won’t be as you learn about spiders and other arachnids such as scorpions, camel spiders, daddy longlegs, and ticks. Review the evolutionary history of arachnids, the natural history and biology of the different groups, and the medical and economic importance of these animals. Live guests may drop by for an eight-legged howdy do!

Biography: Paula Cushing received her Ph.D. in 1995 from the University of Florida. In 1998, she began her position as Curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Her research focuses on the biodiversity, taxonomy, systematics, and evolutionary ecology of arachnids, particularly spiders and wind scorpions, or solifuges. She has published numerous scientific articles as well as popular articles about spiders and insects. She is also very active with the American Arachnological Society and the International Society of Arachnology and has served as President of both these scientific societies.

Syllabus:

Tuesday, October 1st

Introduction to Subphylum Chelicerata, Class Arachnida

· Pycnogonida and Xiphosura

· Palpigradi – micro-whip scorpions

· Opiliones – daddy longlegs or harvestmen

· Acarina – mites and ticks (begin, live guests)

Thursday, October 3rd

· Acarina – continued; microscope exercise

· Ricinulei – hooded tick-spiders

· Pseudoscorpiones -- pseudoscorpions

· Solifugae – camel spiders or wind scorpions

Tuesday, October 8th

· Solifugae – continued (sex video!)

· Scorpiones– scorpions (live guests)

· Schizomida – short-tailed whip-scorpions

Thursday, October 10th

· Amblypygi – tailless whip scorpions (live guest)

· Thelyphonida – vinegaroon or whip scorpion (live guest)

· Araneae – spiders (just a taste and live guests (but not a taste of live guests!)

*This class is geared towards adults but is suitable for 16+ with a parent in attendance*

Whether you’re a paparazzi or can’t figure out your camera or phone, join expert photographer Bob Krugmire for hands-on instruction that will teach you to maximize the potential of your camera! Leave with better skills, knowledge, and tons of fantastic close-up shots. Space is limited! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Experience a rejuvenating yoga class in our tropical rainforest. Led by one of our rotating instructors, classes provide an amazing opportunity to transcend the hustle and bustle of daily life as you practice amongst the butterflies in our conservatory.

Due to this program being in high demand no refunds or date change requests can be made for this program. All tickets are final purchase.

This October, step into a world where invertebrates take center stage in an afternoon of suspenseful storytelling. You'll be drawn into chilling tales that explore the dark and mysterious ways these creatures interact with our lives. Prepare to be entertained, educated, and maybe even a little spooked as you enjoy themed teas and delectable treats.

What You’ll Experience:

Thrilling Stories: Experience gripping narratives that delve into mystery, murder, and scientific discovery, all centered around the strange and unexpected behavior of invertebrates.

Highlights include:

On the northern coast of Australia, where beauty meets danger, robust defenses protect against local predators. But when a mysterious killer starts bypassing these safeguards, scientists must race against time to save lives from an unseen threat.

In Southern California, a family of five is found brutally murdered, leaving detectives with few clues and countless dead ends. Desperate, they turn to an unlikely ally to track down the cunning murderer.

Tasty Teas and Treats: Savor a selection of teas and cookies that complement the eerie atmosphere.

Halloween Fun: Embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your favorite costume and adding to the festive and spooky vibe.

Engaging Education: Learn fascinating facts about invertebrates in a way that’s both entertaining and enlightening. Reserve your spot now for a night of suspense, learning, and Halloween-themed fun!

Please note: This program contains content that may be disturbing to some participants. Viewer discretion is advised.

We rely on plants for oxygen, food and medicines, but plants have a dark side, too. Butterfly Pavilion Horticulture Director will share the dangerous and often disturbing interactions that plants have with insects, and sometimes people! Learn about carnivorous plants, tricky orchids, and the wild world of plant toxins.

Amy’s bio: Amy Yarger has worked in the public horticulture field since 1996. She received a bachelor's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Irvine and then studied plant-animal interactions at the University of Michigan.   Amy currently leads Butterfly Pavilion’s local pollinator habitat initiatives, such as the Baseline Pollinator District, Manitou Springs Pollinator District and the Urban Prairies Project, which restores habitat in urban and suburban natural areas.

It is well known that stick insects are the masters of camouflage, but did you know that some of them can also spray acid or simulate a leaf swaying with the wind? If you are interested in learning more about these fascinating insects, please come and join this talk by Target Species Manager, Fransico Garcia Bulle Bueno on November 3rd.

Bio: Francisco completed a B.S. in Biology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2017. He then completed a PhD on Entomology at the University of Sydney, Australia in 2021. Francisco’s main areas of research have been breeding, husbandry, reproductive behavior, and management of bees. He has successfully published six scientific papers on bee’s biology on peer reviewed journals. During his PhD, Francisco also worked with schools, universities, refugees, beekeepers and senior adults delivering science communication workshops with the aim of promoting environmental and sustainability in urban environments by teaching the importance of insects and their habitats in Australia. He was also the manager of a stingless bee program run by tone of the councils in Sydney where he managed and propagated over 100 colonies of stingless bees every year. After finishing his PhD and before the Butterfly Pavilion, Francisco worked on developing conservation projects in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico working with local people and raising awareness about the importance of bees and general biodiversity.

Webinar overview: This one-hour webinar will introduce attendees to the fascinating world of forensic entomology: the use of insects in investigations. Attendees will learn about the diversity of forensically relevant insects, how insects are collected from crime scenes, and analyzed for cases. Case examples will be discussed to explain how forensic entomology is used in criminal investigations, from the crime scene to the courtroom. Join us to learn more about Forensic Flies and the use of maggots to solve murders.

*Zoom link will be sent to you 24 hours prior to the class*

Speaker bio: Dr. Krystal Hans is a board-certified forensic entomologist and serves as the Director of Forensic Science and an Assistant Professor of Forensic Entomology at Purdue University. She received her master’s degree from Cleveland State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. Before arriving at Purdue in 2019, she held the Director of Forensic Biology position at Delaware State University and served on the Delaware Commission on Forensic Science from 2016-2018. At Purdue, she has instructed more than 2000 undergraduate students in courses on forensic entomology and forensic science and has a research lab that mentors graduate and undergraduate students' experiments on the behavior and development of forensically relevant insects. Dr. Hans is currently the president-elect for the North American Forensic Entomology Association and is a forensic consultant for investigations in states across the Midwest. She is an instructor at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and provides training in forensic entomology for law enforcement, pathologists, and coroners in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

* This webinar may contain content that is sensitive to some viewers, viewer discretion is advised*

Explore Butterfly Pavilion in the dark after-hours during our Adults Only Flashlight Tours! Dress up, solve mysteries in each exhibit led by a tour guide, and discover the secrets of our invertebrates at night. This tour will end in our Wings of the Tropics exhibit where we will search for hidden residents amongst the butterflies and plants! Secure your spot and reserve tickets now!

This event is 18+ only

Join us for a special Halloween edition of "Invertebrates and Music Walks" as we explore the rainforest after dark. Guided by naturalist Dave Southerland and accompanied by eerie music, we'll use flashlights to discover orb weavers and other night time creatures. The adventure concludes in the Butterfly Pavilion's Discovery Gardens, where we'll search for nighttime invertebrates amidst the Halloween atmosphere. Don't miss this unique journey into the mysterious world of the night!

Partners:

-Dave Southerland

-Boulder Philharmonic

Details:

- Enjoy easy walks along trails suitable for all levels.

- Walks take place in low-light conditions.

- Dress appropriately for the outdoors with breathable clothing and walking shoes.

Why have composers been fascinated by invertebrates, and how have they tried to capture them in their music? You are invited to ""Invertebrates and Music Walks,"" a collaboration between naturalist Dave Sutherland, Boulder Philharmonic, and Butterfly Pavilion. Join us for a stroll through our tropical rainforest, while listening to classical music selections inspired by the world of invertebrates. Led by Dave, immerse yourself in curated compositions as butterflies flutter around us. Conclude your journey outside in Butterfly Pavilion's Discovery Gardens, where specially crafted music invites exploration of invertebrates' lives. Let curiosity guide you through this fusion of sound and nature, where every step reveals a new melody and every encounter unveils unseen beauty.

Partners:

Dave Southerland

Boulder Philharmonic

Details:

• These walks are of low difficulty but involve trail walking.

• Please dress appropriately for the outdoor environment, including breathable clothes, sturdy walking shoes, and sunscreen

*This class is geared towards adults but is suitable for 16+ with a parent in attendance*

Join us on a transformative one-hour journey with ""Mindfulness Butterflies,"" a unique program designed to nurture your inner self and cultivate mindfulness while in nature. Each session will guide you through intentional breathing exercises, meditative visualizations, and a profound connection with your physical being.

Instructor: Siarra Sweet with Sweet Massage

Program highlights:

Explore Intentional Breathing: Learn to harness the power of your breath as we delve into intentional breathing exercises, grounding you in the rhythm of nature. Discover how the simple act of breathing can become a powerful tool for relaxation, stress reduction, and inner peace, aligning your spirit with the natural world.

Meditative Visualizations: Immerse yourself in the beauty of guided meditative visualizations that transport you to serene and tranquil natural settings. Experience the soothing embrace of nature's embrace as you let your mind wander through peaceful landscapes, fostering a deeper connection with the world around you.

Connect with Your Inner Self: In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to lose touch with ourselves and our connection to nature. ""Mindfulness with Butterflies"" provides a safe space to reconnect with your inner self while nurturing a profound connection with the natural world. This journey promotes self-awareness and self-compassion, anchoring you to the rhythms of nature.

Personal and Transformative: Every session is a unique opportunity to embark on a personal and transformative journey, guided by experienced facilitators who adapt each session to cater to your individual needs. Leave each session feeling refreshed, renewed, and inspired, with a heightened sense of harmony with both yourself and the world of nature.

This October, step into a world where invertebrates take center stage in an afternoon of suspenseful storytelling. You'll be drawn into chilling tales that explore the dark and mysterious ways these creatures interact with our lives. Prepare to be entertained, educated, and maybe even a little spooked as you enjoy themed teas and delectable treats.

What You’ll Experience:

Thrilling Stories: Experience gripping narratives that delve into mystery, murder, and scientific discovery, all centered around the strange and unexpected behavior of invertebrates.

Highlights include:

On the northern coast of Australia, where beauty meets danger, robust defenses protect against local predators. But when a mysterious killer starts bypassing these safeguards, scientists must race against time to save lives from an unseen threat.

In Southern California, a family of five is found brutally murdered, leaving detectives with few clues and countless dead ends. Desperate, they turn to an unlikely ally to track down the cunning murderer.

Tasty Teas and Treats: Savor a selection of teas and cookies that complement the eerie atmosphere.

Halloween Fun: Embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your favorite costume and adding to the festive and spooky vibe.

Engaging Education: Learn fascinating facts about invertebrates in a way that’s both entertaining and enlightening.

Reserve your spot now for a night of suspense, learning, and Halloween-themed fun!

Please note: This program contains content that may be disturbing to some participants. Viewer discretion is advised.

Taught by The Terrorium Shop, Denver’s natural history store. In this class you will learn everything you need to know to mount your very own Orb Weaver Spider.

This class will start off with a short lecture discussing the anatomy and lifestyle habits of the selected specimens. You will learn about relaxing chambers, the different types and how to make a quick, easy relaxing chamber from household items. The last portion of the class will be hands on pinning of your specimen.

Each person will receive one relaxed Orb Weaver Spider, a mini relaxing chamber, their own pinning board and their own set of entomology pins.

Instructor:

Terrorium Shop

https://theterroriumshop.co/

Relish a quiet hour of morning light photography in the tropical rainforest before open our doors to the public. Snap photos of beautiful butterflies and exotic tropical flowers in the morning light. Sessions are offered monthly and begin at 8:00am.

Cost:  $10 for non-members, $8.00 for members. Note: This session is self-guided. Participants supply own equipment.

*This call is intended for adults but is suitable for 16+ with an adult in attendance*

Taught by The Terrorium Shop, Denver’s natural history store. In this class, you will learn everything you need to know to mount your very own scorpion specimen.

This class will start with a short lecture discussing the anatomy and lifestyle habits of the selected specimens. You will learn about relaxing chambers, the different types, and how to make a quick, easy relaxing chamber from household items. The last portion of the class will be hands-on pinning of your specimen.

Each person will receive one relaxed scorpion, a mini relaxing chamber, their own pinning board, and their own set of entomology pins. Please note the morphos do not have their thorax as they are removed due to grease of specimens.

The partnership between Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) Gallery and Butterfly Pavilion is a fantastic blend of art and nature, creating a vibrant cultural and educational experience. This collaboration not only brings our community together but also honors the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos while shining a light on the Monarch butterfly, a powerful symbol of transformation and migration.

At the Monarch Magic Sip and Paint event, you’ll have the chance to celebrate the Day of the Dead by painting your own masterpiece of a Monarch butterfly. This experience is all about embracing the cycles of life and death, the beauty of nature, and the importance of remembrance and renewal, all while enjoying a relaxed and creative atmosphere.

CHAC Gallery and Butterfly Pavilion have crafted an immersive experience that highlights the deep connection between cultural heritage and environmental conservation. This partnership is set to captivate and inspire, offering a truly unique and artistic celebration for our community.

Music and sound profoundly impact our well-being and can completely transform and elevate our mood. Join IndigoAshley for an hour-long sound healing at Butterfly Pavilion. Enjoy deep relaxation in an immersion of harmonic tones from quartz crystal singing bowls, chimes, and a tongue drum that soothes the body and mind. This meditative sound healing helps dissipate stress, supports happiness and mental clarity, and activates the imagination all while connecting to the frequencies of the Earth and all of its inhabitants. You are invited to slow down, sink into your inner wisdom, and intently listen to your dreams, among the beauty of Butterfly Pavilion’s tropical paradise with hundreds of butterflies.

Instructor: Ashley Young

Join us for a fun and creative craft event where you'll learn to make beautiful, beaded spider suncatchers! Perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your windows or as a unique decoration, these beaded spiders are about four inches long and come in a variety of body styles. Choose your favorite design and follow along with our step-by-step instructions to create your own stunning suncatcher.

Perfect for beginners, this class provides all materials and guarantees a fun-filled experience. Join us for an inspiring afternoon of artistic exploration as we capture the delicate beauty of nature.