Sweetbriar’s Butterfly Garden re-opening and Wildlife and Craft Fair this Saturday

Alive with rich vegetation, delicate flowers and more than 20 species of native North American butterflies, the whimsical Butterfly Garden and House at Sweetbriar Nature Center opens for the summer season, on June 9, during Sweetbriar’s wildlife and craft fair. How sweet to be swept away into the world of graceful butterflies in the screen-enclosed garden, while also shop for handmade crafts and see the special guests – including a coyote – that Adirondack Wildlife Refuge is to bring to the fair.

At the Butterfly Garden and House (open through September), you will want to keep an eye out for the vibrant orange wings of Monarch butterflies and the jet-black coloring of Zebra Longwings. But, to help you identify all the butterfly residents in the garden, “Who’s flying” identification cards are available at the entrance. A super-cool aspect of this garden, for me, is the emergence cage, as I might get to see an adult butterfly, having completely metamorphosed, emerge. How exciting!

Though you may be tempted to stare at the butterflies all day, there’s more to see and do here. According to Sweetbriar, many of the vendors are green-friendly, and representatives from groups, like Long Island Parrot Society and Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, are to be on-site.

As the famous saying goes, “happiness is a butterfly;” so, soak up the happiness at this nature-filled event; and, enjoy some musical entertainment, games, face painting, animal shows and fun.

Wildlife and Craft Fair, with Butterfly Garden Opening
Event Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sweetbriar Nature Center
62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown
631-979-6344 ·  sweetbriarnc.org