MEIJER GARDENS INTRODUCES AFRICAN MOON MOTH

Foremost’s Butterflies Are Blooming:  March 1 – April 30, 2008

The Nation’s Largest Temporary Tropical Butterfly Exhibition

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. February 1, 2008 –Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a leading Midwest cultural destination, offers an eye opening experience during the annual Foremost’s Butterflies Are Blooming – the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States.  The African Moon Moth, new to the exhibition, joins more than 40 other species of butterflies fluttering freely in the Lena Meijer tropical conservatory. The exhibition officially opens March 1, 2008 and runs through April 30, 2008.

Every year thousands of tropical butterflies and dozens of species from Asia, South and Central America and now Africa emerge from chrysalises and gracefully flutter around the tropical magnificence of the 15,000 square foot, 6 story tropical conservatory. 

“The addition of the African Moon Moth incorporates our mission of exploring the duality of art and nature,” said Lucinda Grover, Lead Horticulturist at Meijer Gardens. “These species have captivating eye spots on bright green wings, making a grand appearance with all the grace and magnificence of Africa.”

Foremost’s Butterflies are Blooming brings to life the unique sensation that visitors feel when they encounter the beauty and mystery of nature–most importantly, the collection of butterflies, which capture the hearts and minds of the young and old alike. Throughout the exhibition, butterflies can be viewed drinking nectar from the flowering plants and feeding stations, congregating among stream beds and fluttering about freely. New butterflies are delivered each week and Meijer Gardens receives approximately 800 chrysalises in each shipment.

Long time favorites such as the ‘Blue Morpho’ with large dazzling metallic blue wings will grace visitors with their presence.  The ‘Costa Rican Clearwing’ will also return with its transparent wings making it a challenge to find at times.  Others such as the ‘Tree Nymph’, ‘Giant Owl’ and ‘Leopard Lacewing’ will also be fluttering freely in the tropical conservatory.

The African Moon Moth’s presence in Foremost’s Butterflies Are Blooming coincides with Art of Africa, an exhibition of more than 80 objects representing 30 African cultures. This collection of African sculptures and objects is the first major museum presentation of its kind in West Michigan and Meijer Gardens is the only Michigan venue for this important presentation. The exhibition runs through May 4, 2008.

Foremost Insurance Group, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a member of the Farmer’s Insurance Group of Companies, has sponsored Foremost’s Butterflies are Blooming since 1998.

“For more than 50 years Foremost has been an active contributor to the Grand Rapids community,” said John T. Kalinka, Marketing Communications Director at Foremost Insurance Group.  “We are delighted to sponsor this educational, family-friendly exhibition and hope that the West Michigan community embraces this eye opening experience.”

Exhibition Highlights

·         Flashlight Tuesday Nights
Meijer Gardens is open every Tuesday evening until 9:00 pm. All guests will have the opportunity to search for sleeping butterflies in the tropical conservatory. Visitors should bring along their best flashlight to guide their way through the conservatory. Starting at 5:00 pm—just look for the colorful sparkle resting on the leaves.

·         Children’s Garden Butterfly Activities
Children can take a closer look in a “magiscope” at Michigan butterflies and moths, try on a pair of colorful butterfly wings, build a three-dimensional butterfly with a wing span over 12”, solve butterfly puzzles, run through the butterfly maze and more.

·         Flutter Appearances
Renowned butterfly mascot, Flutter, will be appearing every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3:00 pm. During the week of Spring Break, April 7-11, Flutter will make special appearances everyday from noon to 3:00 PM.

All exhibitions are included with admission to Meijer[Back to Press Releases Main]