Photograph courtesy of Flying Colours Butterfly Pageant
The state of Georgia is house to greater than 160 species of butterflies, from the common-or-garden Frequent Chestnut (Zunonia koenia) to the dramatically Striped Zebra Swallowtail (Euritides marcellus). Many depend upon native crops for survival, and all of them — together with different pollinators like bees and birds — are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides and local weather change. Maybe no species represents a larger menace to the butterfly than the well-known monarch (Danaus plexippus), which has unfold on and off the endangered species record; It’s at the moment listed as weak. One of many few migratory butterfly species, monarch populations have declined by as a lot as 80 p.c prior to now twenty years; Its annual pilgrimage, from the US and Canada to Mexico and again once more, has turn out to be more and more harmful as suburban sprawl and widespread pesticide use destroy resting habitats alongside the best way.
Thankfully, gardeners may also help. “Having a local pollinator backyard the place monarchs can cease and replenish on nectar whereas they migrate,” mentioned Fabiola Clermont, occasions supervisor on the Chattahoochee Nature Middle. This month, to encourage Georgians to guard the state’s butterflies, the Nature Middle hosts its annual Flying Colours Butterfly Pageant (June 1-2, 2024). The competition features a native plant sale, the place gardeners can discover butterfly-lit hostas and nectar crops. There may also be butterfly-themed leisure: Returning this yr is Alma Mexicana Atlanta, a troupe that presents conventional dances from Mexico, a rustic the place the monarch butterfly holds robust cultural significance.
Flying Colours is meant to encourage individuals of all ages to guard the butterfly species that decision Georgia house. It is one of many Chattahoochee Nature Middle’s largest occasions, attracting practically 2,000 individuals over two days. Some youngsters have little contact with nature for concern of fluttering butterfly wings. “However you give them that little style they usually begin to get ,” Clermont explains. “And once you begin caring in regards to the little issues, you begin caring in regards to the large issues.”
In fact, the very best introduction to the magic of butterflies is to be surrounded by them. Even fearful youngsters are often received over by the Encounter exhibit stuffed with tons of of flying native specimens. For close-ups, the character middle gives nectar wands, foam brushes soaked in butterfly-approved formulation. And for the fortunate ones, the butterfly will typically land instantly on the hand, arm and even nostril. “A few of us are extra blessed than others,” Clermont admits, although he additionally gives a professional tip: “They love salt, so if you happen to’re sweating, they’re going to land on you.”
This text appeared in our June 2024 situation.
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