CANTERBURY, N.H. — The news about Monarch Butterflies this year has gone from bad to worse, but the 12th Annual NH Monarch Festival will provide a unique learning opportunity plus hands-on tools and expert advice on how adults and families can improve habitat for migrating Monarchs and other vital pollinators, all while giving kids fun ways to celebrate and learn about these amazing creatures.
In spite of 30 years of efforts across the U.S. by citizen scientists and communities to urge changes in pesticide use and protection of milkweed habitat for their annual migration, the monarch butterfly population is not “out of the woods” yet. The bad news is that the total forest area occupied by Monarchs overwintering in Mexico in 2023-24 decreased by 59% from last year (which was, in turn, down 22% from 2021-22), to just 2.2 acres–the second lowest level since monitoring began.
The NH Monarch Festival, held annually at Petals in the Pines in Canterbury since 2013, focuses on increasing public awareness of the Monarch’s plight and ways for families to help them. The festival is available in two-hour visit timeslots spread over two weekends (online reservations are REQUIRED; Adults $7; Kids $3.50; infants (non-walkers) are free. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.)
Weekends include:
Saturdays, Aug. 24 & Sept. 7 from 1:15 to 3:30 p.m.
Sundays, Aug. 25 & Sept. 8 from 1:15 to 3:30 p.m.
The Festival will include exhibits and demonstrations by Amira Kel Provost, Citizen Scientist, plus kids’ activities and games related to the Monarch’s life-cycle and migration, a butterfly “Tale Trail”, monarch tagging (if any are emerging), book readings, two labyrinths, “Ask-a-Master-Gardener” table, free milkweed seeds, two miles of woodland trails and garden paths, hundreds of flower varieties, and much more. Kids (and adults) who wish to wear butterfly wings/costumes are encouraged to do so!
For reservations and more details, visit petalsinthepines.com/monarch-festival. Note, Parking is limited so car-pooling is encouraged. Use caution if parking along the side of Baptist Road. No pets, please.
