Coalition to host Monarch Family Fun Fair Aug. 12
Monarch butterfly populations have declined precipitously in recent years. Now Mexico, Canada and the United States are collaborating on a North American strategy to conserve and recover this iconic species.
The Hackmatack Monarch Coalition is holding a free Monarch Family Fun Fair from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake.
Attendees will learn how they can help monarch butterflies and their miraculous migration across the North American continent. Activities include face painting, art and science activities, nature trunks, information on planting butterfly gardens and an interactive monarch migration map.
Prairie plants that provide nectar for butterflies will be available for purchase.
In addition, local community bands will be performing starting at 12:30 p.m. in the Main Beach pavilion. The Crystal Lake Community Band Sax Quartet will perform from 1 to 1:30 p.m., followed by the Knock on Wood clarinet ensemble from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. and the Crystal Lake Community Band Jazz Band from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Crystal Lake Park District features activities from numerous conservation, education and arts groups involved in the Hackmatack Monarch Coalition.
The Monarch Coalition includes: Sierra Club-Illinois and Wisconsin chapters; Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge; Environmental Defenders of McHenry County; Illinois Department of Natural Resources; McHenry County Conservation District; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Refuge Division and Chicago Office; Crystal Lake Park District; Creative Arts Inc.; McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program; Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus-Woodstock; Ancient Oaks Foundation-Lake Zurich; Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee; Citizens Climate Lobby; The Land Conservancy of McHenry County's Conservation @ Home; McHenry County Fair Board; McHenry County College Sustainability Center; Resurrection Church Care Creation Team; Small Waters Education; Johnsburg elementary and junior high schools; Westwood Elementary School-Woodstock; Countryside Flower Shop; and Red Buffalo Nursery.
The mission of Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and to connect people to these resources.
More information can be found at hackmatacknwr.org or www.facebook.com/FriendsHackmatackNWR/.