Adult Programs

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.

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

Harvest of All First Nations (HAFN), an Indigenous-led grassroots organization committed to land rematriation and amplifying BIPOC voices, is proud to collaborate with the Butterfly Pavilion for a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Join us for an inspiring workshop featuring our community’s esteemed Fancy Shawl Dancer, Joselyn Running Wolf, accompanied by Chasing Hawk and the renowned drum group, Standing Bear. The Fancy Shawl Dance is deeply respected in Indigenous communities, as its graceful movements mirror the spirit of the butterfly, symbolizing transformation and renewal.

What to Expect:

Cultural Powwow Dance Presentation: Witness the beauty and significance of the Fancy Shawl Dance, brought to life by Joselyn Running Wolf, whose performance embodies the heartbeat and flutter of the butterfly.

Educational Workshop: Learn about the critical role of pollinators and the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from our Indigenous Relations Consultants. This session includes an informative on-the-ground tour of our garden, where the connection between culture and nature is beautifully intertwined.

This event offers a rare opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Indigenous cultures while deepening your understanding of ecological stewardship.

Support Harvest of All First Nations: Harvest of All First Nations (HAFN) is dedicated to preserving Indigenous lands and cultures through grassroots initiatives and community empowerment. To learn more about their mission and how you can support their vital work, please visit HAFN's website. Your donations help elevate BIPOC voices, protect sacred lands, and promote sustainable practices that honor Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

Please note the location: Growing Gardens: 1630 Hawthorn Ave, Boulder, CO 80304