Every summer I work with staff and volunteers at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland, New Jersey to host a Butterfly Tent Safari event.  The aim is to educate guests about butterfly conservation through wonderment that leads to active conservation and enhancement of our own backyard, schoolyard and community habitats. To learn bout hosting your own butterfly tent safari or bugfest event check out “Buzz Into Action, The Insect Curriculum For Grades K-4“.

Below are a few photographs of the program and an article from the Star Ledger that includes photographs of kids within the tent.  As always I’m happy to share information if you have any questions about setting up a similar event.

Laminated Dragonfly Wing under microscope

Luna MothLuna Moth Caterpillar

Monarch Caterpillar

Laminated Monarch Wing under microscope

Praying Mantis

Laminated Tiger Swallowtail Wing under microscope

NJ Families Flock to Butterfly Tent Safari – Star Ledger Article

David Alexander, senior naturalist with Essex County Parks, has been involved with the butterfly event since it started in July 2010. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get connected with nature,” he said.  According to Alexander, the tent is filled with a variety of nectar plants and host plants and over 50 butterflies.

David Alexander is author of the Buzz Into Action & Hop Into Action Science Curricula.  He specializes in making nature accessible to people and wildlife.  You can follow him at www.natureintoaction.com