Adult Programs

The Colorado Pollinator Network (CPN) is excited to announce our 10th Annual Colorado Pollinator Summit, to be held Thursday, November 13 and Friday, November 14, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MST at Williams Village on the CU Boulder Campus. The theme is "Empowered for Pollinators".

Each year, we bring together nationally and regionally recognized pollinator experts to present and discuss strategies for protecting and managing land to support pollinators among those who promote and practice pollinator conservation.  This year, we are honored to welcome Dr. Samuel Ramsey, assistant professor and Marvin H. Caruthers Endowed Chair in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, as our keynote speaker.  

This page is to purchase a one-day ticket for either November 13 - or - November 14. (less)

The Colorado Pollinator Network (CPN) is excited to announce our 10th Annual Colorado Pollinator Summit, to be held Thursday, November 13 and Friday, November 14, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MST at Williams Village on the CU Boulder Campus. The t (more)

The Colorado Pollinator Network (CPN) is excited to announce our 10th Annual Colorado Pollinator Summit, to be held Thursday, November 13 and Friday, November 14, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MST at Williams Village on the CU Boulder Campus. The theme is "Empowered for Pollinators".

Each year, we bring together nationally and regionally recognized pollinator experts to present and discuss strategies for protecting and managing land to support pollinators among those who promote and practice pollinator conservation.  This year, we are honored to welcome Dr. Samuel Ramsey, assistant professor and Marvin H. Caruthers Endowed Chair in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, as our keynote speaker.  

This page is to purchase a two-day ticket.

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The Colorado Pollinator Network (CPN) is excited to announce our 10th Annual Colorado Pollinator Summit, to be held Thursday, November 13 and Friday, November 14, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MST at Williams Village on the CU Boulder Campus. The t (more)

Enjoy the serene beauty of Butterfly Pavilion—just for adults! Our 18+ evenings offer a peaceful, kid-free experience where you can wander through fascinating habitats, get up close with invertebrates, and marvel at free-flying butterflies. This is your chance to explore the exhibits at your own pace, ask our educators deeper questions, and enjoy the calm, immersive environment with like-minded nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a unique date night, solo adventure, or time to unwind with friends, these evenings are perfect for adults who want to connect with nature.

Dates and Times: (all times 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.)

September 19, 2025

November 20, 2025

December 18, 2025

Fee: $20 Member $25 Non-Member (less)

Enjoy the serene beauty of Butterfly Pavilion—just for adults! Our 18+ evenings offer a peaceful, kid-free experience where you can wander through fascinating habitats, get up close with invertebrates, and marvel at free-flying butterflies. T (more)

*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. (less)

*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 (more)

Sip craft beer and wine at this adults-only, after-hours celebration of our favorite eight-legged friends. Explore fun activities, fascinating lectures, and spooky spider-themed surprises. Show off your best bug-themed costume for a chance to win a free membership and prizes. (less)

Sip craft beer and wine at this adults-only, after-hours celebration of our favorite eight-legged friends. Explore fun activities, fascinating lectures, and spooky spider-themed surprises. Show off your best bug-themed costume for a chance to (more)

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. (less)

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 co (more)

Join Butterfly Pavilion's Urban Prairies Project out in the field to learn about the incredible plants and animals that call our Colorado landscape home! Collect valuable information that will be used in creating healthy space, all while engaging in a beautiful natural area teeming with wildlife.

Location: Mower Reservoir at Westminster Hills - 10001 Alkire Street (less)

Join Butterfly Pavilion's Urban Prairies Project out in the field to learn about the incredible plants and animals that call our Colorado landscape home! Collect valuable information that will be used in creating healthy space, all while enga (more)

Join Butterfly Pavilion’s Senior Horticulture Director, Amy Yarger, for an unforgettable exploration of the darker side of the plant kingdom. As you stroll through our tropical butterfly conservatory, you’ll encounter the world’s most intriguing and roguish plants. Learn how carnivorous plants trap their prey, discover the deceptive strategies of orchids, and delve into the world of toxic plant compounds that can affect insects—and sometimes even humans!

About Amy Yarger: Amy Yarger has worked in public horticulture since 1996. She holds a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of California, Irvine, and studied plant-animal interactions at the University of Michigan. Amy leads Butterfly Pavilion’s pollinator habitat initiatives, including the Baseline Pollinator District, Manitou Springs Pollinator District, and the Urban Prairies Project, which focuses on restoring habitats in urban and suburban areas.

Date and Time: October 23rd, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Fee: $25 per non-member $20 member. (less)

Join Butterfly Pavilion’s Senior Horticulture Director, Amy Yarger, for an unforgettable exploration of the darker side of the plant kingdom. As you stroll through our tropical butterfly conservatory, you’ll encounter the world’s most intrigu (more)

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 (less)

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 (more)

Experience the Fluttering Hearts Escape at Butterfly Pavilion! Join certified massage therapist Siara Sweet from Sweet Wellness for a unique couples massage workshop amidst the enchanting tropical rainforest at Butterfly Pavilion. Immerse yourself in the delicate beauty of thousands of butterflies as Siara guides you and yourpartner through the art of massage. This special workshop goes beyond relaxation – you'll not only learn expert massage techniques but also engage in effective couples communication. Siara Sweet's expertise will ensure you leave with newfound skills to create moments of connection and relaxation at home. Amidst the fluttering wonders, she'll share fascinating information about the butterflies, adding a touch of magic to your unforgettable experience. Elevate your bond and revel in the joy of togetherness with the Fluttering Hearts Escape – a truly special couples massage adventure.

Your Therapist: Siara Sweet

Pricing (Per Couple):

$200 Non-Member

$180 Member (less)

Experience the Fluttering Hearts Escape at Butterfly Pavilion! Join certified massage therapist Siara Sweet from Sweet Wellness for a unique couples massage workshop amidst the enchanting tropical rainforest at Butterfly Pavilion. Immerse you (more)

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. (less)

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 (more)

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. (less)

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 (more)

Get empowered and equipped to transform outdoor spaces into pollinator habitat havens with Butterfly Pavilion's Pollinator Gardening Bootcamp workshop series! Workshops include educational lectures, interactive participation, hands-on outdoor activities, and personalized instruction. Join other curious and passionate pollinator supporters and gardening enthusiasts through the planning, design, implementation, and upkeep involved in gardening for pollinators.

*To obtain your certification, you must complete the 5 classes and pass the comprehensive final exam (open-book, research encouraged) with a 70% or better. *

Cost:

Member Package Pricing: $140 for all classes

Non-member Package Pricing: $160 for all classes

2025 class dates:

Sunday, February 23: Pollinator Gardening 101 - 9:30am - 12:30pm

Sunday, March 30: Plants for Pollinators - 10:00am-1:00pm

Sunday, April27: Pollinator Garden Design - 10:00am-1:00pm

Sunday, May 18: Pollinator Garden Preparation and Planting - 10:00am-1:00pm

Sunday, July 27: Pollinator Garden Maintenance and Care - 10:00am-1:00pm (less)

Get empowered and equipped to transform outdoor spaces into pollinator habitat havens with Butterfly Pavilion's Pollinator Gardening Bootcamp workshop series! Workshops include educational lectures, interactive participation, hands-on outdoor (more)

Fall Tour: September 21, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Experience the beauty and diversity of the Butterfly Pavilion's outdoor gardens throughout the year with our exclusive seasonal garden tours led by Senior Director of Horticulture, Amy Yarger. Join us in spring, summer, and fall to explore the evolving landscapes of our habitat gardens, discovering the plants that support native butterflies, bees, and other pollinators at each stage of their life cycle. Amy will share insights on plant selection, garden design, and the unique challenges and successes of creating thriving pollinator habitats.

In winter, escape the cold with a special tropical plant tour in our lush, tropical butterfly room. Learn about the exotic plants that provide food and shelter for butterflies from around the world and discover the fascinating connections between tropical plants and pollinators.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore our gardens in every season and gain inspiration for your own pollinator-friendly garden!

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Fall Tour: September 21, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Experience the beauty and diversity of the Butterfly Pavilion's outdoor gardens throughout the year with our exclusive seasonal garden tours led by Senior Director of Horticulture, Amy Yarger. (more)

Get an exclusive, insider’s look into the incredible world of venom, nature’s most effective chemical tool, with arachnologist Jackie Billotte. This fascinating talk will take you behind the scenes of venom’s evolution across spiders, snakes, insects, and other animals. Discover how these venoms have developed as powerful tools for survival, from hunting and defense to shaping ecosystems. You’ll learn how venom works, the diverse chemical compounds it contains, and how scientists are unlocking its potential for groundbreaking medical research and treatments.

As you sip your drink, be captivated by Jackie’s expert insights into the hidden wonders of the natural world. This is more than just a talk—it’s an opportunity to explore the mysteries behind nature’s most potent substances in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Your instructor: Arachnologist Jackie Billotte M.S

Please note that this event is for adults 21 years and older.

What’s included:

- One serving of beer or wine during the presentation

- Non-Alcoholic options available (less)

Get an exclusive, insider’s look into the incredible world of venom, nature’s most effective chemical tool, with arachnologist Jackie Billotte. This fascinating talk will take you behind the scenes of venom’s evolution across spiders, snakes, (more)

Are you terrified of spiders but strangely captivated by them? Or maybe you’re the "odd one" in your friend group because of your spider obsession? Either way, this class is for you!

Led by Dr. Paula Cushing, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, you’ll discover:

-The evolutionary relationships between spiders and their closest relatives

- Insights into spider biology, behavior, and ecological importance

- Techniques to identify different spider families

- Certification to participate in the Colorado Spider Survey

As a seasoned expert, Dr. Cushing brings decades of research experience, having served as President of both the American Arachnological Society and the International Society of Arachnology. Her passion for spiders runs deep—she even gave her first public lecture on spiders while still in high school!

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the world’s foremost arachnologists and transform your curiosity (or fear) into knowledge.

Schedule:

Tuesday, September 30, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion

Thursday, October 2, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion

Saturday, October 4, 2025: Collection Day from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion (pack a lunch!)

Tuesday, October 7, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion

Thursday, October 9, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion

Tuesday, October 14, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Denver Museum of Nature and Science (2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver) (less)

Are you terrified of spiders but strangely captivated by them? Or maybe you’re the "odd one" in your friend group because of your spider obsession? Either way, this class is for you!

Led by Dr. Paula Cushing, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zo (more)

Learn to Mount Your Own Tarantula with The Terrorium Shop!

In this class, you'll master the art of tarantula pinning from start to finish. The session kicks off with a brief lecture exploring the anatomy, behaviors, and fascinating lifestyle of the tarantula. You’ll also discover how to create a relaxing chamber, including a quick and easy version using household items.

The second half of the class is hands-on, where you’ll pin your own specimen with expert guidance from The Terrorium Shop.

Each participant will receive:

- A fully relaxed tarantula

- A mini relaxing chamber

- A pinning board

- A set of professional entomology pins

Join us for this unique opportunity to learn a new skill and take home a beautifully mounted tarantula! (less)

Learn to Mount Your Own Tarantula with The Terrorium Shop!

In this class, you'll master the art of tarantula pinning from start to finish. The session kicks off with a brief lecture exploring the anatomy, behaviors, and fascinating lifestyle (more)