Butterflies pollinating native Joe Pye weed.
Did you know that there are estimated to be approximately 200,000 species of pollinators?? Bees and butterflies might be the first that come to mind, but many other animals act as pollinators as well, including bats, birds, beetles, flies, and ants! […]
While much of the world has slowed down over the past few months, there has been a recent flutter of activity for the Minnesota Zoo’s Prairie Butterfly Conservation Program. As the weather continues to warm and the daylight lengthens, hundreds of caterpillars on Zoo site are taking their cue to prepare for a truly magical […]
June 8, 2020 marks the 18th annual World Oceans Day, a day to celebrate and honor the role of oceans on our planet! We may be physically far from the ocean here in Minnesota, but that doesn’t mean we are disconnected. Our actions have both positive and negative impacts on the world’s oceans. There are […]
Have you ever gazed up at the stars and felt a spine-tingling sensation? Or viewed the vast openness of the Grand Canyon and felt your breath taken away? If so, you may have experienced awe. “Awe” has been defined as “being in the presence of something vast or beyond human scale”. While the […]
Something about butterflies seems to spark curiosity and awe in people of all ages… The caterpillar-turned-butterfly is one of the most spectacular wonders of nature. And spotting a pair of fluttering wings among wildflowers is a sure sign of summer.
Unfortunately many species of butterflies today are in trouble. Habitat loss, climate […]
Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware in a given moment, without judgment. Practicing a state of mindfulness is good for your physical and mental health. Being present and mindful can also enhance your connection with nature, which may further the benefits to well-being you may experience. Nature can help […]
There is quite literally music in the air and all it takes is a moment of pause to take it all in! The sounds of nature have inspired many composers and songwriters over the ages. Sitting quietly outside for a few minutes among the sounds of birds, frogs, and insects, as well as […]
Take a moment of pause the next time you’re outside and you may notice a recent increase in activity from some of your busiest (and smallest) neighbors. Many pollinator species, including bees and butterflies, emerge from their winter slumber in spring looking for valuable food resources. Providing them access to flowering plants is […]
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