Learn Butterfly Gardening - June 12th

Some of you may know that I think  butterflies can help save the planet. They are such beautiful, magical little creatures, that I think they can encourage more people to quit using chemicals, plant native plants and take other steps to create  eco friendly landscapes.

I would even love to see Michelle Obama start a butterfly garden on the White House grounds.

If you would like to learn more about local butterflies, plan on attending the lecture by Dr. Dexter Hinckley, on 15 species of butterflies at Hidden Oaks Nature Center from 2 to 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 12th.

Learn techniques for attracting these garden jewels, host plants for their caterpillars, and nectar plant suggestions for adults. Learn techniques for attracting these garden jewels and area butterfly gardens you can visit.and area butterfly gardens you can visit. The cost is $5 per person. Register online or call 703-324-4662. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Dr. Hinckley holds a PhD in entomology from the University of Hawaii. He is retired from the EPA, has substaintial volunteer experience with the Smithsonian and the National Zoo, and now does freelance work as an "independent environmental Services professional".

Set within 52 acre Annandale Community Park, Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located in the heart of Fairfax County, a few minutes inside the Capital Beltway. The woods surrounding the center feature an easy loop trail 1/3 mile long. Seasonal brochures enable visitors to discover the changing nature of the woodland at points along the trail. For further exploration, additional trails lead through the woods to two streams. Bird watching and photography are special pleasures in these quiet surroundings.

Butterflies of DC

Butterflies of Maryland

Butterflies of Virginia