To mark the opening of the new Pollinator Garden in the Village Arboretum and to raise awareness of the vital role pollinating insects play in supporting life, a free public celebration is planned for October 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Called the Flutterby Festival, the event will feature guided tours of the new garden to learn about the native plants that attract pollinators. Exhibits will explore all stages of the butterfly life cycle.
A special attraction will be a Monarch butterfly tent where visitors will be surrounded by newly emerged Monarch butterflies. At the end of the event, attendees can help tag and release the Monarch butterflies so they can join the great migration to Mexico.
Also on hand will be live music provided courtesy of the Carolina Philharmonic, exhibits on the importance of pollinators, information from local organizations on how to create your own pollinator garden, plus food vendors and kids’ activities.
The Pollinator Garden came about through the leadership of biologist Lynda Acker, a well-known native garden and butterfly expert, and Beth Stevens, President of the Village Heritage Foundation board.
Beth notes, “The Village Arboretum is the perfect location for showcasing native plants and pollinators. The festival will show in a fun way how everyone can help support pollinators in their own backyards. We especially hope to teach children to appreciate the natural world.”
The Flutterby Festival is sponsored by the Village Heritage Foundation with support from the Village of Pinehurst, the Pinehurst Resort and the Clara McLean House and Healing Garden. The Village Heritage Foundation was established in 1993 to promote the preservation, restoration, enhancement and maintenance of the distinctive character of the historic Pinehurst.
For more information, go to www.villageheritagefoundation.org.
