GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The butterflies emerging at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park are a sign that spring is on its way in West Michigan

The 25th annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter “Butterflies are Blooming” exhibition has more than 7,000 tropical butterflies for the public to see. The show is scheduled to open to the public Sunday, March 1, and will run through April 30.

Officials say it is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation and highly anticipated each year by the West Michigan community. The event draws about 185,000 visitors each year.

Approximately 60 colorful species of butterflies and moths journey from Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Philippines and Kenya to fly freely in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. The five-story tall, 15,000-square-foot glass enclosure will stay at 85 degrees and 70 percent humidity.

This “balmy environment” mimics the tropical regions that the butterflies call home, according to a press release.

Over 1,000 pupae – insects in a stage of transformation protected inside a cocoon – arrive at Meijer Gardens weekly from around the world. At the Observation Station, guests can watch “delicate chrysalides and cocoons” transform and spread their wings for the first time.

Visitors can enjoy extended hours April 6-10 for spring break from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This year, Meijer Gardens is putting a special focus on “glass houses” by highlighting Nathanial Ward, who invented the Wardian Case in 1827.

While studying caterpillars and moths in London, Ward noticed that plants and insects were flourishing in the jars, away from pollution in the city. This accidental discovery led to horticulturists being able to transport items around the world and paved the way for modern terrariums, greenhouses and conservatories.

“This year’s theme offers our community a sense of wonder with magical glass houses from 4 feet tall to our iconic 50-foot-tall Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory,” said Lisa Roo, annual exhibitions lead designer and project manager.

The new Wardian case can be found in the adjacent Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor.

Guests will be able to observe and learn how plants, butterflies and moths live in and under glass in the Caterpillar Room within the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse.

Visitors can enjoy extended hours April 6-10 for spring break from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There are a few exhibition activities scheduled around the exhibition including:

Tuesday Night Lights

On Tuesday nights, bring a flashlight to search for butterflies and other nightlife until 9 p.m. in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

Outdoor Children’s Activities

After observing the butterflies inside, children are encouraged to head outside to the Children’s Garden for outdoor educational events. From using costumes to pretend to be a butterfly or a caterpillar to performing a butterfly-themed puppet show, plenty of activities will be available during daylight hours through April 30.

Butterfly Ballet

On the weekend the exhibit opens, members of the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company will perform “Who Am I?” A Butterfly Ballet. The performance, using colorful costumes, music and choreography, will highlight characteristics of butterflies through dance.

The performances are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, and noon and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. A fee of $5 for members and $8 for non-members will be applied on top of general admission. Children ages 2 years and younger are free.

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