All things “butterfly” is the focus of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s annual Butterfly Festival at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K 156 Highway, Great Bend, Kansas.

It’s set for September 21, 2019.

From making milkweed seed bombs to tagging monarch butterflies, kids and adults will find plenty to do during this free event. Favorite activities for the Festival include monarch tagging, an insect zoo, milkweed seed bombs, butterfly photo boards, and crafts.

Nets and tags will be available for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies. Participants will receive information about the tagging process before heading out with a tagging leader to search for monarch butterflies.

Kids (and adults who want to be kids again) can play in the mud and make a seed bomb, composed of clay, compost, water and native flower seeds, to take home. Get in some practice by slinging premade milkweed seed bombs into KWEC’s prairie area using giant slingshots.

Find your “inner insect” by taking your photo at monarch butterfly and caterpillar photo boards. Refuel with light refreshments and drinks. Temporary tattoos, games and other activities round out the morning’s activities.

Information on butterfly-friendly plants and other attractants will be available, and visitors may also walk through the wildflower/butterfly garden to view examples of butterfly-friendly plants.

(Photo of tagged monarch courtesy of Kansas Wetlands Education Center)