After a summer of transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, fall means it's time for New Jersey's resident butterflies to begin their migration south to Mexico. Here are three butterfly release events this Saturday, September 10, 2011, where you can see them off in style:
- Butterfly Release in Freehold, NJ: On the front lawn of CentraState Hospital (901 West Main St.), there will be a butterfly release at 1 pm. This release is coordinated with 11 other Camp Quality sites across the United States to raise awareness for pediatric cancer. Free.
- Meet a Monarch Butterfly in Boonton, NJ: Tour the butterfly garden at Pyramid Mountain (Boonton Ave. and Mars Ct.) and learn about the metamorphosis firsthand. This event includes music, crafts, games and more. Noon-4 pm, $4 for ages 2 and up.
- Monarch Mexican Fiesta in Cherry Hill, NJ: The Garden State Discovery Museum is holding a butterfly release in the Suburu Butterfly Garden at 1 pm. Wave the Monarch butterflies off as they head on their annual migration to Mexico. Free with museum admission.
​You can also keep the butterfly theme going at home by baking these fun Butterfly Cupcakes. You can also make a butterfly from handprints (shown), footprints, or try using thumbprints to make a tiny caterpillar.
And if you're looking for a good read, kids of all ages (and grown-ups too) love Eric Carle's delightful The Very Hungry Caterpillar.