April 2, 2025. Vol. 32. No. 45. RockRiverTimes.com.
(Photo provided by Rockford Park District)
The Secret Life of Butterflies: Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, IL, invites everyone to celebrate the arrival of spring when the facility hosts The Secret Life of Butterflies exhibit through May 25, 2025, presented by Xfinity. Explore the wild, wonderful, and often strange world of butterflies and moths by seeing the lepidoptera lifecycle in action as caterpillars munch on leaves, butterflies emerge from their chrysalises, and moths from their cocoons. Guests can get an up-close look at the amazing insects inside the butterfly house, surrounded by native and exotic butterflies; more information and a video about the exhibit is at https://nicholasconservatory.com/butterflies. Butterfly Lab sponsored by Rockford Bell A Division of CCU - Stop by the Butterfly Lab during the exhibit to see butterfly pupa and caterpillars, and learn about butterflies and their lifecycles. You may even see Conservatory staff doing daily pupa care inside the pupa emergence room! More information is at https://nicholasconservatory.com/butterfly-lab. Due to limited capacity, pre-purchased tickets for this exhibit are highly encouraged, since space sells out regularly; purchase tickets at https:// nicholasconservatory.com/butterflies. Guests should plan to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to their ticketed time slot to experience all of the exhibit. Current Conservatory hours are at https:// nicholasconservatory.com/admission (closed Mondays for plant care and maintenance). Admission fees vary; discounted fees apply for seniors, veterans, youth, and children. Fees are posted at https://nicholasconservatory.com/admission. More information about the Conservatory and its programs, memberships, events, facility rentals, group activities, and school field trips is available on the website and at 815-987-8858, where information on accessibility and support for Conservatory visitors and participants with disabilities or special needs is also available.