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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.

Get your tickets online & save! Admission at the door is $1 more than online.

Tickets only valid for the date selected.

Front Doors lock at 4:15 p.m.

Tickets must be reserved for children under 2.

Please see Visitor Information or FAQ page for more information.

Looking for the best time to visit Butterfly Pavilion? View our live occupancy tracker!

Homeschoolers and your families, these days are reserved especially for you! Take advantage of these exciting opportunities to explore our engaging exhibits and interact with thousands of invertebrates! Each Homeschool Day incorporates themed activities great for all ages. These include various invertebrate investigations, talks with real scientists, fun crafts, and more.

August: Ocean Odyssey

Dive deep under the waves and discover the incredible invertebrates that call our oceans home. Interactive classes, activities, and crafts will explore our important marine wildlife.

September: Buzzing About Bees

Discover the fascinating world of bees and their crucial role in our ecosystems during this special homeschool day. Participate in interactive classes and activities led by Butterfly Pavilion educators and learn all about these vital pollinators.

November: Career Crossroads: Critters, Conservation, and Causes

Explore various careers related to invertebrates, animal care, education, and nonprofits in our Career Exploration Day. Meet professionals, learn about their journeys, and discover exciting opportunities for your future path!

December: Living Lights

Discover the mesmerizing world of bioluminescent and biofluorescent invertebrates and their amazing ability to glow. This event will include engaging classes, hands-on crafts, and exciting activities that illuminate the science behind these radiant creatures.

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

Butterfly Pavilion membership is your all-access pass to discovery! Individual membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for one adult
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off guest admission

Butterfly Pavilion membership is your all-access pass to discovery! Just for Two membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for one adult and one guest
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off guest admission

Butterfly Pavilion membership is your all-access pass to discovery! Family membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for two adults and four children (add a caregiver for $15)
• Three one-time use guest passes
• $2 off guest admission

Butterfly Pavilion membership is your all-access pass to discovery! Friends and Family membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for two adults and six children plus two guests
• Three one-time use guest passes
• 50% off guest admission

Butterfly Pavilion membership helps support our research, conservation and education efforts.

Pollinator Protector membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for four adults and six children plus two guests
• Four one-time use guest passes
• 50% off guest admission

Two favorite cultural attractions have teamed up to offer you two great membership packages at one low price!

Combo membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for two named adults and six named children (add an unnamed adult for $36)
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off guest admission

Gift the gift of science learning, invertebrate exploration and year-round entertainment that will engage and inspire!

Individual membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for one adult
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off general admission for additional guests each visit

About gift memberships: Fill out the online membership form with your recipient's information. Gift memberships are processed within 1 to 5 business days. Recipients do not receive an email confirmation. Gift memberships are sent via First Class mail to the address specified on the form. We do not guarantee delivery or arrival by a specific date. Gift memberships are activated in our system at the date of purchase and expire at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase.

Gift the gift of science learning, invertebrate exploration and year-round entertainment that will engage and inspire!

Just for Two membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for one adult and one guest
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off general admission for additional guests each visit

About gift memberships: Fill out the online membership form with your recipient's information. Gift memberships are processed within 1 to 5 business days. Recipients do not receive an email confirmation. Gift memberships are sent via First Class mail to the address specified on the form. We do not guarantee delivery or arrival by a specific date. Gift memberships are activated in our system at the date of purchase and expire at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase.

Gift the gift of science learning, invertebrate exploration and year-round entertainment that will engage and inspire!

Family membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for two adults and four children
• Three one-time use guest passes

• $2 off general admission for additional guests each visit

About gift memberships: Fill out the online membership form with your recipient's information. Gift memberships are processed within 1 to 5 business days. Recipients do not receive an email confirmation. Gift memberships are sent via First Class mail to the address specified on the form. We do not guarantee delivery or arrival by a specific date. Gift memberships are activated in our system at the date of purchase and expire at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase.

Gift the gift of science learning, invertebrate exploration and year-round entertainment that will engage and inspire!

Family Plus membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for two adults and six children plus two guests
• Three one-time use guest passes
• 50% off general admission for additional guests each visit

About gift memberships: Fill out the online membership form with your recipient's information. Gift memberships are processed within 1 to 5 business days. Recipients do not receive an email confirmation. Gift memberships are sent via First Class mail to the address specified on the form. We do not guarantee delivery or arrival by a specific date. Gift memberships are activated in our system at the date of purchase and expire at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase.

Gift the gift of membership to help support our research, conservation and education efforts.

Pollinator Protector membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for four adults and six children plus two guests
• Four one-time use guest passes
• 50% off general admission for additional guests each visit

About gift memberships: Fill out the online membership form with your recipient's information. Gift memberships are processed within 1 - 5 business days. Recipients do not receive an email confirmation. Gift memberships are sent via First Class mail to the address specified on the form. We do not guarantee delivery or arrival by a specific date.

Two favorite cultural attractions have teamed up to offer you two great membership packages at one low price!

Combo membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for two named adults and six named children in the same household
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off general admission for additional guests each visit

About gift memberships: Fill out the online membership form with your recipient's information. Gift memberships are processed within 1 to 5 business days. Recipients do not receive an email confirmation. Gift memberships are sent via First Class mail to the address specified on the form. We do not guarantee delivery or arrival by a specific date. Gift memberships are activated in our system at the date of purchase and expire at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase.

Metamorphosis Memberships at the Butterfly level ($2,500) are for compassionate philanthropists who want to deepen their impact in Colorado and around the world. You'll also enjoy numerous benefits, including: