Grand Rapids Celebrates 30 Years of Butterflies Are Blooming

News Summary

Grand Rapids is all set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. This enchanting event begins on March 1 and runs until April 30 at the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Visitors can experience over 60 species of butterflies and moths in a tropical setting, along with various family-friendly activities, engaging lectures, and outdoor fun. Admission is affordable, making it an ideal outing for families looking to enjoy the beauty of nature in a vibrant atmosphere.

Grand Rapids Prepares for a Spectacular Celebration: Butterflies Are Blooming Exhibition Turns 30!

Grand Rapids is buzzing with excitement as the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition prepares to kick off its 30th year! Starting March 1, this enchanting event will be in full swing at the stunning Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, where vibrant butterflies and fascinating moths will be ready to take flight until April 30.

A Butterfly Wonderland Awaits

Known as the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the United States, this year’s exhibition will showcase over 60 different species of butterflies and moths hailing from the beautiful regions of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Visitors can expect to see around 1,000 butterflies fluttering about each week, making for a stunning display under the conservatory’s five-story glass ceiling.

But wait, it gets better! The conservatory is kept at a warm and inviting 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of over 60% to truly capture that tropical vibe. Can you imagine stepping into a lush, vibrant setting filled with swaying plants and colorful wings? It’s bound to feel just like a vacation—without ever leaving the city!

New Additions to Enhance the Experience

This year, the exhibition promises even more to delight visitors with exciting new additions. You can expect fresh feeding stations designed for an up-close encounter with these winged beauties, along with new arrangements of majestic air plants, bromeliads, and orchids. Whether you’re a butterfly enthusiast or just looking for a fun outing, there is something magical waiting for you!

Affordable Fun for Everyone

Worried about ticket prices? Relax! Admission to the exhibition is included with the general admission to the gardens. Tickets are reasonably priced at $22 for adults and just $11 for kids aged 3-13. With so much to see and do, it’s a fantastic deal for a family adventure.

Exciting Activities for the Whole Family

In addition to the butterflies, the exhibition will incorporate a variety of engaging family activities. Mark your calendars for:

• “Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet”: Enjoy stunning performances by the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company on February 15 and 16. Tickets are only $5 for members and $10 for non-members!
• “Family Drop-In: Butterfly Exploration Stations”: A special event on March 2 from 2-3 p.m. filled with hands-on fun for all ages.
• Secchia Garden Lecture: Dive deep into the history with “Celebrating 30 Years of Frederik Meijer Gardens” on March 11 at 7 p.m.
• “After the Caterpillar—Cool Chrysalids and Cocoons”: An informative session with Dr. Duke Elsner from MSU Extension on March 23 from 2-3 p.m.
• “Design for Delight: Butterfly Gardens”: A presentation by Amy Heilman on April 27 from 2-3 p.m.

Outdoor Fun and Earth Day Celebrations

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Outdoor activities for kids are planned daily throughout the exhibition. Be sure to join in on an exciting Earth Day celebration on April 26 from 1-4 p.m. at the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden!

For those nighttime adventurers, “Tuesday Night Lights” will allow visitors to search for butterflies with flashlights on Tuesday evenings in March and April until 9 p.m. Such a unique experience!

Special Perks for Members

Members will enjoy some exclusive events, including family parties on March 17, 23, and 30, plus an adult party on April 21, which will require an RSVP. Added bonus? Members can arrive early on Sundays from 9-11 a.m. to enjoy a quieter experience!

With so much going on at the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition, Grand Rapids is the place to be this spring. So gather up the family and prepare for a delightful adventure filled with fluttering colors and a warm tropical ambiance. You won’t want to miss it!

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Additional Resources

• Fox17: The Butterflies Are Back at Meijer Gardens
• WZZM13: Butterflies at Meijer Gardens
• MLive: Tropical Butterflies to Meijer Gardens Soon
• WoodTV: US Butterfly Population is Dropping
• Wikipedia: Butterfly