Butterflies are often associated with transformation, rebirth, and growth—not just symbolically, but ecologically. As vital pollinators, their beauty supports more than just aesthetics: they help plants reproduce and signal a healthy environment.
On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered at The Watershed Institute in Hopewell Township to celebrate these vibrant insects at the 25th Annual Butterfly Festival. The event featured educational activities, hands-on crafts, live animal presentations—and even a rare albino wallaby—offering something for visitors of all ages.
“The Butterfly Festival is important because it shines a light on a very important pollinator and helps spread the joy of nature,” said Davis Bush, StreamWatch Schools Coordinator at the Watershed. “Butterflies and caterpillars are very charismatic insects, so it’s a good way to let people know that yes, you actually do like insects—you just maybe didn’t realize it.”
At the heart of the festival was the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House, where visitors could get up close with butterflies in various stages of life. While children shrieked with delight as butterflies landed on their hands or hats, adults could be seen beaming with equal excitement.
“We’re teaching people about native plants, about the butterflies and everything else that relies on them,” said Sophie Glovier, Chief of Strategy and Programs. “And also, what they can do right in their own backyards to make a difference.”
The festival was about more than fun—it was a vivid expression of one of the Watershed’s core missions: education. Informational signs placed throughout the grounds highlighted the impact of the community’s contributions. One read:
“Thanks to 598 volunteers, 7,761 pounds of trash were collected during the 2024 stream cleanups.”
“Kids learn about protecting the environment from an early age, and they want to go on to be stewards of the environment for the rest of their lives,” said Donna Gregory, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager. “Our work is more critical now than ever—and we do that by educating people and making sure the legislation is in place to keep people safe.”
The Eyes of the Wild Animal Show brought added energy to the day. Travis Gale blended humor with fascinating facts as he introduced a skunk, an alligator, a toad, and a tortoise named Sophie. His message focused on both education and empathy.
“If we decide to help nature, we can,” Gale told the audience, noting how conservation efforts helped alligators bounce back from endangered status.
As Sophie the tortoise munched on a piece of lettuce, kids erupted with laughter and curiosity. Gale seized the moment, joking, “If this is how you act when someone eats in the cafeteria, I bet lunchtime is wild.”
Bush reinforced the importance of experiences like this in building lifelong respect for nature: “I think any kind of exposure to nature is important because it’s not going anywhere. It has intrinsic value. It’s worth protecting. And so, the best way to get people to care is just exposure.”
The festival also showcased opportunities for deeper involvement.
“Anywhere you want to get involved, you can here. That’s the beauty of it,” said Conservation Intern Bridgette Wixted.
If you missed the Butterfly Festival on Saturday, you can still visit the butterfly house when the Watershed is open throughout the summer and into the fall.
For more events and ways to get involved, visit thewatershed.org.
