Butterfly Blast to be held in Pitkin

Allen Acres in Pitkin will host a butterfly blast September 25-27. All are invited, especially the young folks, to visit Allen Acres to view the butterflies. One should see adults, caterpillars, chrysalis (cocoons), and eggs of several different kinds of butterflies from skippers to large swallowtails and tagging of monarchs. Attendees will capture, apply a tag and then release some monarchs. Hopefully, some of the tagged ones will be recovered later and we can see where and how far they traveled from Allen Acres. If you can wait or come back at dark, you could view one or more hummingbird moths, moths at the black light, spider eyes, etc. Just show up anytime and walk around on your own and we will be around to show you the hidden caterpillars, chrysalis or eggs.
Water and access to a bathroom will be provided. Photography is welcomed and encouraged. Models of the monarch butterfly life cycle with cut outs for your face are available for photographs. Donations to help defray the cost of butterfly plants are accepted.
Events for the butterfly blast are as follows:
•9 a.m. until dark - Butterfly/hummingbird viewing and monarch tagging.
•On demand - Power Point “Butterflies from Scratch” or “Allen Acres Moths” by Charles Allen.
•7 p.m. until dark - Hummingbird moth viewing; checkout the night life of moths, other insects, spiders, firefly counting, and more.
For more information, contact Dr. Charles Allen or Susan Allen 337-328-2252 or email native@camtel.net. Also check out www.allenacresbandb.com and www.nativeventures.net.