This innovative exhibit is not only a "must see" exhibit at the fair,
but was a "must ag-xperience" from watching Monarch butterflies
emerge at birth from their crysalisits to being tagged and set free as they
began their migration journey to Mexico. Signage and literature
inform the public on the importance of butterflies to our eco-system as
well as tips on attracting these colorful creatures to your own backyard.

Jim and Teresa Gallion, noted NWF Habitat Steward volunteers
and Frederick County Master Gardeners
to host butterfly house at The Great Frederick Fair.     

 The butterfly house and exhibit will focus on the monarch butterfly.
This coincides with the height of the monarchs’ migration to Mexico. 
There will be information and hands on activities about
milkweed, life cycle, flight, tagging, migration and release of the monarchs.

The Gallions and a number of volunteers will be available
the entire week of the fair to answer questions, have
actual butterflies in various stages of development, and fun
projects for kids and grown-ups alike!

The tagging and release of monarchs will take
place during the week Monday the 15^th through
Saturday the 20^th  at 2pm and 4pm each day weather permitting.

 Jim and Teresa Gallion of Walkersville, MD are Frederick County Master Gardeners and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Backyard Wildlife Habitat Steward Volunteers. Their property is certified with the NWF’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat program and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wild Acres program. Jim and Teresa have been noted in national (Better Homes and Gardens) and local publications as well as several Maryland Public Television “Outdoors Maryland” segments on hummingbirds, Backyard Habitats and butterflies. Jim and Teresa volunteer time as Board Members on the Fountain Rock Nature Council in Walkersville and with the NWF and Master Gardeners giving many presentations and mentoring on Backyard Wildlife Habitats. Jim and Teresa have recently visited the overwintering sites of the monarch butterfly in Mexico and are also members of Monarch Watch at the University of Kansas, The Maryland Native Plant Society, American Horticultural Society, Washington Area Butterfly Club, Botanical Society of Washington, Green Peace, and Sierra Club.  

WANT TO LEARN MORE!