Hackmatack Monarch Coalition to host Monarch Fair for Families Aug. 15

The Monarch butterfly population has declined precipitously in recent years. Now the United States, Canada and Mexico are collaborating on a North American strategy to conserve and recover this iconic species.

The Hackmatack Monarch Coalition is hosting its seventh Monarch Family Fun Fair from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lake Shore Drive in Crystal Lake.

Migrate to the beach and get in free for a family afternoon and learn all about monarchs, with butterfly and pollinator plants information, a monarch art show, science table activities, art activities, a big monarch migration route map and information on how Mexico, Canada and U.S. are collaborating!

Pollinator plants will be available to purchase from participating local nurseries.

Kids who complete the Monarch Quiz will get a free ice cream token, redeemable at the Crystal Lake Culver's restaurant.

Bring your masks, as the McHenry County Department of Health is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance that everyone wear masks when indoors regardless of their vaccination status. A Community Band Showcase will fill the afternoon with music at the band shell starting at 1 p.m.

Sponsored by Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Crystal Lake Park District, it will feature activities from numerous conservation, education and arts groups involved in the Hackmatack Monarch Coalition.

For more information, visit hackmatacknwr.org or www.facebook.com/FriendsHackmatackNWR/.