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Whether you’re new to photography, looking to sharpen your skills, or just love capturing the big world of tiny creatures, this class is perfect for you! Professional insect macro photographer Bob Krugmire will guide you through the essentials and share tips and tricks to elevate your photos. This 2-hour-long outdoor adventure will take place in the vibrant Allison Community Gardens at Semper Farms and covers both traditional cameras and cell phone photography.

Girl Scout Day is April 12th 10 am – 12 pm

Girl Scout Day Includes:

Programming to get Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade girls excited about joining Girl Scouts!

Stations with crafts, activities, and discussions all about invertebrates.

Access to all of our indoor and outdoor exhibits after 11 am!

Girl Scout Day Cost:

Adult (Non-member) : $14

Child (Non-member, 2-12): $10

Members: FREE

Children under 2: FREE

*includes general admission as well as extra scout activities.

Please note:

Pre-registration is recommended. Walk ups may be accepted but entrance is not guaranteed.

Celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren with a delightful pressed flower lantern workshop! Create beautiful lanterns that will light up your home and serve as a cherished memory of your time together. And, without pollinators like bees, flies, and wasps, we wouldn't have such beautiful flowers to create works of art with!

Supplies included:

- One 10oz glass jar per person

- Pressed flowers

- Supplies to assemble the craft

Instructor: local artist Dani Forsyth!

Become An Expert In All Things Bumble Bees with Bumble Bee Expert Dr. John Mola.

The Butterfly Pavilion is proud to offer this chance to learn in-person about bumble bee biology, ecology, and conservation from Dr. John Mola, the lead researcher of the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Bee Ecology and Extension Lab at Colorado State University. Participants will acquire the skills to identify the Colorado-native bumble bee species in their backyards and cultivate the key plants that help these bees flourish in Front Range cities. This workshop will include hands-on opportunities to interact with pinned specimens and – weather permitting -- with live specimens as well!

Schedule:

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lecture covering Bumble Bees key characteristics, diversity, life cycles, and ecological roles.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch break. (Please pack a lunch)

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Field trip or lab activity providing hands-on experience related to the lecture content.

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

BConnected Colorado is excited to co-host this guided meditation event with the Butterfly Pavilion! Immerse yourself in the serenity of Butterfly Pavilions beautiful space, surrounded by lush tropical plants, a flowing stream, and the gentle presence of live butterflies. In this meditation, we’ll focus on deepening our connection to our bodies, our community, and the earth.

BConnected Colorado is a social club dedicated to building an inclusive, welcoming community for bisexual and queer individuals. This meditation is designed to foster a sense of belonging and connection. Together, we'll explore grounding practices to align with the energy of nature, the support of our community, and the strength of our individual bodies.

Why Attend?

- Reconnect with yourself and the earth in a beautiful natural setting.

- Build a sense of community and belonging with other Bi/Queer individuals.

- Experience a moment of peace and healing during the busy holiday season.

More information:

- Allies are welcome!

- Rainforest temperature varies between 65 and 85 degrees.

- This class is intended for adults, but children over 13 may attend with a parent.

Fee: - $10 Member - $12 Non-Member

Create Your Own Preserved Mini World in an Exclusive Workshop!

Unleash your creativity and craft a one-of-a-kind miniature ecosystem in this hands-on class led by The Terrorium Shop—a Denver-based natural history store renowned for its expertise in natural preservation.

Design and assemble a stunning preserved display that captures the beauty of nature. From vibrant moss to delicate dried florals, every element is thoughtfully provided for you to build a unique, tiny world with your personal touch—a keepsake to cherish for years to come.

What’s Included:

- One 2"" x 3"" glass dome with cork base

- A large, preserved carpenter bee specimen

- Dried floral accents, crystal, and moss

Join us for an inspiring session that blends art, science, and natural beauty—no experience needed!

Moms are an important part of life, and they deserve some extra appreciation, and pollinators do too! Mother's Day at Butterfly Pavilion is full of fun activities! Together with your kids you can create beautiful artwork inspired by spring and the new life that comes with it, and plant seeds that will grow into native pollinator hubs this summer. Then, follow our staff on a guided promenade through our gardens full of flowers. The perfect way to spend the morning as a family!

What to expect:

• Paint flowers made from pinecones with local artist Dani Forsyth!
• Plant native flower seeds that you can take home and plant in your yard!
• Promenade through the gardens around Butterfly Pavilion to observe native pollinators!

Pricing:

• Non-members: $35/adult; $20/child
• Members: $30/adult; $18/child
• Children under 2 years old are free!
• All supplies included in price of program

Join us for a Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas Training Workshop and become a community scientist! Help map and conserve bumble bees across the region by learning survey techniques and data collection methods.

What to Expect:

- A brief presentation on bumble bee diversity, life cycles, and pollinator conservation.

- Hands-on training in netting, photographing, and releasing bumble bees.

- Guidance on Atlas protocols and how to contribute data.

- All survey supplies provided.

- Come prepared for outdoor fieldwork (walking shoes, sun protection, water, etc.).

About the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas

Bumble bees are vital pollinators, supporting both wild ecosystems and agriculture. Colorado is home to a rich diversity of species, but many are in decline. By joining the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, you’ll help track their populations and contribute to critical conservation efforts.

As a volunteer, you'll:

- Catch, photograph, and release bumble bees.

- Conduct habitat surveys.

- Upload data to Bumble Bee Watch to support scientific research.

Get involved today! Learn more at BumbleBeeAtlas.org

Discover the Front Range’s Fantastic Diversity of Native Bees with Certified Naturalist Ryan Bartlett.

This class will highlight the origins, diversity, and preferred plants of the over 1000 different species of bees that call the Rocky Mountains home. Certified arborist, naturalist and plant pathologist Ryan Bartlett of Colorado Native Bee will provide an engaging lecture on the conservation of these vital pollinators. Weather permitting, participants will also head outdoors to catch some of the colorful bees that frequent Butterfly Pavilion’s beautiful Discovery Garden.

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.

Flowers are more than fine, but which plants truly serve the needs of pollinators? Meet some plant powerhouses, how to choose the right ones for the right spaces, and how to get your hands on the best material.

What looks good to human and insect eyes? Design your own habitat garden! Explore principles of aesthetic design, tool use, and what a truly pollinator-friendly design should include.

What does it take to have a garden space that is truly pollinator-friendly? Explore techniques and approaches in encouraging your garden to thrive as it’s own mini-ecosystem, and reap the benefits of less money, time, and resources spent on your space. Learn the do’s and don’ts of clean up, the signs and symptoms of different visitors to your garden, and the magic in embracing a little bit of “mess”.

So you want a pollinator garden... but how do you make it a reality? Creating a healthy garden goes beyond pretty plant choices and where to place them. Learn the practical pieces of installation and habitat-friendly practices and approaches – explore planting techniques, soil health, irrigation and groundcover choices and more.

Ready to level up your pollinator gardening game? This 3-hour masterclass is an extension of our popular Pollinator Gardening Bootcamp, designed for those who want to take their skills to the next level and make a lasting impact on local ecosystems.

Join Butterfly Pavilion’s expert team for an immersive deep dive into advanced pollinator gardening. Engage in expert-led discussions and hands-on activities that delve into plant-pollinator dynamics, habitat optimization, and cutting-edge gardening techniques. Collaborate with other passionate gardeners, receive personalized guidance, and refine your skills in planning, designing, and maintaining diverse, thriving pollinator-friendly landscapes.

This program is perfect for seasoned gardeners ready to create sustainable habitats that support our vital pollinators year after year!

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

If you've always wanted to see more butterflies in your garden, have bigger harvests from your kitchen garden, or just make a positive difference for the planet, pollinator habitat gardening could be for you! This 90-minute interactive workshop will introduce you to the principles and practices of pollinator habitat gardening, from site assessment to design to maintenance. Learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while also learning how simple changes to your landscape can add food, shelter, and other resources for these important animals.

Winter Tropical Plant Tour: February 2, 2025, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Spring Tour: April 20, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Summer Tour: July 13, 2025, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

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!