Fla. Museum hosts ButterflyFest Oct. 22-23

October 11, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will hold its sixth annual ButterflyFest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22-23.

The celebration of pollinators and other backyard wildlife includes free presentations on area hummingbirds, bats in the Caribbean, the practice of eating insects and a talk from keynote speaker and Harvard lepidopterist Naomi Pierce.

“We are extremely excited to have Dr. Pierce as our keynote speaker,” said Jaret Daniels, Florida Museum assistant director of exhibits and public programs. “Not only is her research groundbreaking, but she speaks of her work with tremendous passion -— a joyous intensity that can’t help but spark your interest.”

A three-day plant sale, beginning Oct. 21, features more than 100 species of butterfly plants, with museum employees and volunteers available to offer gardening and selection advice.

The event in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza includes free activities such as butterfly bingo, costume creation and a pollinator parade.

A number of area groups are scheduled to perform, including the UF juggling club Objects in Motion and the Isle of Skye Highland Dance Studio. Area nonprofit organizations such as the Alachua County Beekeepers Club, Lubee Bat Conservancy and the Southern Lepidopterists’ Society also will offer a variety of engaging activities.

The museum also will offer a behind-the-scenes tour of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity and a “Picture Perfect: Rainforest Photography” workshop. Preregistration is required for both activities.

Admission to the museum and ButterflyFest presentations and activities are free. There is an admission fee for the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit.