Lehnis Railroad Museum to Host Monarch Butterfly Program July 9th

Fun learning programs will focus on the Monarch Butterfly on Saturday, July 9 at the Lehnis Railroad Museum.  The programs are especially for children grades 1 – 6, but every age will learn more about the danger of extinction that now faces the Monarch Butterfly, and what you can do to help.

Jan Fischer of Texas Botanical Gardens will present information, activities, and crafts for different age groups.  Pre-schoolers will have their own activities and story times, come and go between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The programs are free with regular $2 admission, but seating is limited, and reservations must be made.  Call the Lehnis Railroad Museum at 325-643-6376 to reserve a space for your child.

Programs are offered during the following times:

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.  (for children going into 1^st and 2^nd grade) “All About Butterflies”
10:45- 11:45 a.m.  (for children going into 3^rd and 4^th grade) “Monarch Life Cycle and Migration”
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.  (for children going into 5^th and 6^th) “The Metamorphosis of Monarchs”

In addition, Daniel Graham of Brownwood Community Gardens will provide information about native plants that attract and feed butterflies and other pollinators, and present information on “Honey Bee Safety.”   The Brownwood Public Library will share stories about the Monarch butterfly, and where to read more about the Monarchs and preserving their habitats.

“Museums serve communities by bringing in educational information on a variety of topics, and we are pleased to be able to offer these programs.  Every age can take away great information on what they can learn about saving the Monarch Butterfly” stated Beverly Norris, Curator at the Lehnis Railroad Museum.

Texas and Brown County are important areas for the Monarchs. The butterflies travel twice each year from their wintering grounds in Mexico, covering between 1,200 and 1,500 miles in their journey. Brown County is in their migration path.

Texas Parks & Wildlife, U. S. Fish and Wildlife, The National Wildlife Association, the USDA and all conservation groups are concerned about the fate of the Monarch, and all pollinators.  Due to widespread use of herbicides, plants they feed on are disappearing.

Call the Lehnis Railroad Museum for more information and to sign up 325-643-6376.

Photo contributed.