Seeing butterflies is like seeing flowers in flight

As summer quietly slips away, autumn starts its slow but steady progression. Eventually deciduous trees show their brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange including the Tamarack which will be illuminated in golden needles throughout the refuge. The skies come alive with swans, geese, and migratory birds starting their journey south. Spend some time in nature to rejuvenate your spirit before the frigid temperatures arrive and enjoy the beautiful transition of seasons. See you on the refuge where the blacktop ends and the backwoods begin. Sanctuary now open After a busy summer of waterfowl and other wildlife raising their young, the sanctuary area is now open for visitors use.
Venture onto the many trails of Tamarac to experience pure Minnesota wilderness. Beginning Sept. 1, and continuing through February, the northern half of the refuge will be open for hiking and foraging for wild edibles. During the fall, the refuge permits hunting for small game, waterfowl and white-tailed deer. However, there are still a few areas closed. Be sure to pick up a brochure at the information kiosks located at the entrances of the refuge. To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, take a drive on the Blackbird Wildlife Drive. This five mile drive follows the edges of lakes, marshes and meadows. If you feel inclined to exercise, hike the two- mile long Old Indian Hiking Trail and experience the beauty of the maple basswood forest. Another option is to venture out on the North Country Trail which traverses 14 miles through the southern half of the refuge. Visitor center If you’ve got questions, our enthusiastic staff has answers. We are eager to help you make the most of your visit. Check out our interactive exhibits and learn about the diverse habitats which support Tamarac’s many species of wildlife. Learn about the historical use of the refuge including that of the Ojibwe Indians and the European settlers. Be sure to view our large screen presentation: “Tamarac: Its Life and Legends.” Before you leave, browse in the Tamarac Bookshop. Proceeds from sales support educational programs at the refuge. The visitor center is located 9 miles north of Hwy 34. Visitor center hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through Oct. 18. Programs and activities   Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Mino-Bimadiziwin: The Good Life” - The Good Life is an engaging portrait of a community on the White Earth reservation where the peoples’ lives revolve around the annual harvest of wild rice. Many wonderful and intimate moments show the hardships and rewards experienced by those who continue to live off the land. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “A Sense of Wonder: Rachel Carson’s Love of the Natural World and her Fight to Defend it” - When pioneering environmentalist Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962, the backlash from her critics thrust her into the center of a political storm. This film is an intimate and poignant reflection of Carson’s life as she emerges as America’s most successful advocate for the natural world.  Saturday, Sept. 19, Fall Photo Safari from 2-4:30 p.m. - Experience autumn on the refuge through the lens of your camera. Visit some unique areas to capture the changing color. Bring a snack, water and your creativity! Led by refuge volunteer guides and members of the Detroit Lakes Photography Club. Meet at the Discovery Center located across the parking lot from the Visitor Center. Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Pollen Nation” - Follow the journey of a commercial bee keeper from the honey harvest on the high plains to the warm winter feeding grounds of California. Learn why honeybees and numerous species of native bees are in serious decline and how it’s affecting our dinner table and that of wildlife. Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Beavers, the Biggest Dam Movie You Ever Saw!” - Take an intimate swim with beavers and experience the rich aquatic habitat of one of nature’s greatest engineers. Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Annual Fall Festival, Bees and Butterflies - Spend a beautiful fall day on the refuge and celebrate Monarch Butterflies and Bees. Discover their importance in the ecosystem and why both of these pollinators are in peril. Learn what conservation efforts are being made and how you make a difference. Children’s activity trail, annual photo contest exhibit, guided tours and more! Lunch will be available for sale by the Friends of Tamarac. Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Planet Earth, Seasonal Forests” - Investigate temperate regions and find some of the most elusive creatures and well-adapted plant life on earth. From the giant sequoia to the Siberian forests, Forests bring to life a seemingly familiar world that remains largely unexplored. Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “An Original Duckumentary” - Ducks waddle, glide, dive, and dabble and their feathers shimmer with dazzling hues. Take to the skies with a flock of green-winged teal. Watch wood ducks raise a family. Learn why goldeneyes head north in the winter. Butterflies - Flowers in flight For most of us, butterflies invoke visions of color, the warmth of summer breezes, and the promise of a new beginning.  Throughout history, butterflies have held a place in folklore and tradition. In Germany, butterflies were said to be witches out to steal “schmetten’ or cream, thus the name butterfly. The Aztecs believed that butterflies were the spirits of the “happy dead” who visited their relatives to assure them that all was well. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1982632","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"350","title":"","width":"750"}}]] These ‘spirits’ flew around the house and near bouquets of flowers which were left for them. It was considered ill-mannered for a human to smell the flowers from the top, for the top was reserved for these spirits. The Blackfeet Indians of the west believed that dreams were brought to them in their sleep by butterflies. It was the custom for a Blackfoot woman to embroider the sign of a butterfly on a small piece of buckskin and place it in her baby’s hair hoping it would fall asleep. In Ojibwe folklore, for a wish to come true, one must first capture a butterfly and whisper his or her wish to it. Since the butterfly cannot make a sound, it could only reveal the wish to the Great Spirit. Once the butterfly is set free, the wish will be granted. Butterflies have a fascinating natural history as well. Butterflies are classified as insects. They have three body parts including the head, thorax and abdomen. Unlike spiders, they have six legs instead of eight. Perhaps a butterfly’s most noticeable feature is its wings. These wings are covered with thousands of colorful scales which overlap like shingles on a roof. All insects go through metamorphosis. Butterflies go through “complete” metamorphosis. Butterflies begin life as an egg. After five days pass, the egg hatches into a tiny larva or caterpillar. These caterpillars feed heavily on foliage and grow rapidly; shedding their exoskeletons many times. After the caterpillar goes through its final molt, it enters its third stage as a pupa or chrysalis. This is also called a cocoon. It then takes an additional two weeks for the chrysalis to emerge as a butterfly. Butterflies are diurnal meaning they feed during the day while moths are more active at night. Both adult moths and butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers. Here in Minnesota, there are more than 140 different species of butterflies. These butterflies represent 6 common families: the swallowtails, the milkweed butterfly family (monarchs), the gossamer wing family, the admirals, the skippers and the white and sulphur family. Monarchs are perhaps the most familiar butterfly. Monarchs are found across the United States. Much research has been conducted on monarchs because of their unique migration. They fly south to avoid the winter weather and must return north for their specific larval food source- the common milkweed plant. Monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains fly down to the forests of Mexico near Mexico City. Monarchs west of the Rockies, winter in small groves of trees along the southern California coast. Some monarchs will travel up to 3000 miles. In Minnesota, monarchs that emerge in late summer will not mate or lay eggs. Instead they will prepare for a long and strenuous flight only to return in spring to lay their eggs. In preparation for these journeys, monarchs will load up on nectar before and during their travels. Fat is stored in the abdomen and must sustain them over the winter. The life span of an adult monarch varies, depending on the season in which it emerged. Those that emerge in early summer have the shortest life spans; living from two to five weeks. Those that emerge in late summer and migrate south may live up to eight months. While monarchs once numbered some 1 billion in 1996, their numbers have declined by approximately 90 percent in recent years. The decline is the result of numerous threats, particularly loss of habitat due to agricultural practices, development and cropland conversion. Loss of wintering habitat in Mexico and California has also had a negative impact on the species. The monarch’s exclusive larval host plant and a critical food source is native milkweed, which has been eradicated or severely degraded in many areas across the U.S. The accelerated conversion of the continent’s native short and tallgrass prairie habitat to farming has also had an adverse impact on the monarch. Today many people are helping out butterflies by providing habitat in the form of butterfly gardens. Butterflies prefer flowers such as asters, coreopsis, bee balm and yarrow. These will provide adults with a good source of nectar. You may also want to include host plants for caterpillars. Depending on butterfly species, these may include milkweed, willow, flowering kale, or hackberry. Placing large flat rocks in a sunny spot will provide a warm spot for butterflies to perch and spread their wings. Butterflies will also appreciate mud puddles to drink from. Finally, placing a pile of hollow logs and sticks will provide a place for butterfly eggs, larvae, pupae to develop. Find out more about monarchs at Tamarac’s Annual Fall Festival, “Bees and Butterflies” Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Discover the unique lifestyles of these important pollinators, their struggle for survival and what you can do to help. There will be a children’s activity trail, a puppet show, music, presentations on bees and butterflies, honey tasting, refuge tours, annual photo contest display and more. Tweets by @DLNewspapersAs summer quietly slips away, autumn starts its slow but steady progression. Eventually deciduous trees show their brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange including the Tamarack which will be illuminated in golden needles throughout the refuge. The skies come alive with swans, geese, and migratory birds starting their journey south. Spend some time in nature to rejuvenate your spirit before the frigid temperatures arrive and enjoy the beautiful transition of seasons. See you on the refuge where the blacktop ends and the backwoods begin. Sanctuary now open After a busy summer of waterfowl and other wildlife raising their young, the sanctuary area is now open for visitors use. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1982631","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"350","title":"","width":"750"}}]] Venture onto the many trails of Tamarac to experience pure Minnesota wilderness. Beginning Sept. 1, and continuing through February, the northern half of the refuge will be open for hiking and foraging for wild edibles. During the fall, the refuge permits hunting for small game, waterfowl and white-tailed deer. However, there are still a few areas closed. Be sure to pick up a brochure at the information kiosks located at the entrances of the refuge. To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, take a drive on the Blackbird Wildlife Drive. This five mile drive follows the edges of lakes, marshes and meadows. If you feel inclined to exercise, hike the two- mile long Old Indian Hiking Trail and experience the beauty of the maple basswood forest. Another option is to venture out on the North Country Trail which traverses 14 miles through the southern half of the refuge. Visitor center If you’ve got questions, our enthusiastic staff has answers. We are eager to help you make the most of your visit. Check out our interactive exhibits and learn about the diverse habitats which support Tamarac’s many species of wildlife. Learn about the historical use of the refuge including that of the Ojibwe Indians and the European settlers. Be sure to view our large screen presentation: “Tamarac: Its Life and Legends.” Before you leave, browse in the Tamarac Bookshop. Proceeds from sales support educational programs at the refuge. The visitor center is located 9 miles north of Hwy 34. Visitor center hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through Oct. 18. Programs and activities   Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Mino-Bimadiziwin: The Good Life” - The Good Life is an engaging portrait of a community on the White Earth reservation where the peoples’ lives revolve around the annual harvest of wild rice. Many wonderful and intimate moments show the hardships and rewards experienced by those who continue to live off the land. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “A Sense of Wonder: Rachel Carson’s Love of the Natural World and her Fight to Defend it” - When pioneering environmentalist Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962, the backlash from her critics thrust her into the center of a political storm. This film is an intimate and poignant reflection of Carson’s life as she emerges as America’s most successful advocate for the natural world.  Saturday, Sept. 19, Fall Photo Safari from 2-4:30 p.m. - Experience autumn on the refuge through the lens of your camera. Visit some unique areas to capture the changing color. Bring a snack, water and your creativity! Led by refuge volunteer guides and members of the Detroit Lakes Photography Club. Meet at the Discovery Center located across the parking lot from the Visitor Center. Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Pollen Nation” - Follow the journey of a commercial bee keeper from the honey harvest on the high plains to the warm winter feeding grounds of California. Learn why honeybees and numerous species of native bees are in serious decline and how it’s affecting our dinner table and that of wildlife. Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Beavers, the Biggest Dam Movie You Ever Saw!” - Take an intimate swim with beavers and experience the rich aquatic habitat of one of nature’s greatest engineers. Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Annual Fall Festival, Bees and Butterflies - Spend a beautiful fall day on the refuge and celebrate Monarch Butterflies and Bees. Discover their importance in the ecosystem and why both of these pollinators are in peril. Learn what conservation efforts are being made and how you make a difference. Children’s activity trail, annual photo contest exhibit, guided tours and more! Lunch will be available for sale by the Friends of Tamarac. Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Planet Earth, Seasonal Forests” - Investigate temperate regions and find some of the most elusive creatures and well-adapted plant life on earth. From the giant sequoia to the Siberian forests, Forests bring to life a seemingly familiar world that remains largely unexplored. Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “An Original Duckumentary” - Ducks waddle, glide, dive, and dabble and their feathers shimmer with dazzling hues. Take to the skies with a flock of green-winged teal. Watch wood ducks raise a family. Learn why goldeneyes head north in the winter. Butterflies - Flowers in flight For most of us, butterflies invoke visions of color, the warmth of summer breezes, and the promise of a new beginning.  Throughout history, butterflies have held a place in folklore and tradition. In Germany, butterflies were said to be witches out to steal “schmetten’ or cream, thus the name butterfly. The Aztecs believed that butterflies were the spirits of the “happy dead” who visited their relatives to assure them that all was well.
These ‘spirits’ flew around the house and near bouquets of flowers which were left for them. It was considered ill-mannered for a human to smell the flowers from the top, for the top was reserved for these spirits. The Blackfeet Indians of the west believed that dreams were brought to them in their sleep by butterflies. It was the custom for a Blackfoot woman to embroider the sign of a butterfly on a small piece of buckskin and place it in her baby’s hair hoping it would fall asleep. In Ojibwe folklore, for a wish to come true, one must first capture a butterfly and whisper his or her wish to it. Since the butterfly cannot make a sound, it could only reveal the wish to the Great Spirit. Once the butterfly is set free, the wish will be granted. Butterflies have a fascinating natural history as well. Butterflies are classified as insects. They have three body parts including the head, thorax and abdomen. Unlike spiders, they have six legs instead of eight. Perhaps a butterfly’s most noticeable feature is its wings. These wings are covered with thousands of colorful scales which overlap like shingles on a roof. All insects go through metamorphosis. Butterflies go through “complete” metamorphosis. Butterflies begin life as an egg. After five days pass, the egg hatches into a tiny larva or caterpillar. These caterpillars feed heavily on foliage and grow rapidly; shedding their exoskeletons many times. After the caterpillar goes through its final molt, it enters its third stage as a pupa or chrysalis. This is also called a cocoon. It then takes an additional two weeks for the chrysalis to emerge as a butterfly. Butterflies are diurnal meaning they feed during the day while moths are more active at night. Both adult moths and butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers. Here in Minnesota, there are more than 140 different species of butterflies. These butterflies represent 6 common families: the swallowtails, the milkweed butterfly family (monarchs), the gossamer wing family, the admirals, the skippers and the white and sulphur family. Monarchs are perhaps the most familiar butterfly. Monarchs are found across the United States. Much research has been conducted on monarchs because of their unique migration. They fly south to avoid the winter weather and must return north for their specific larval food source- the common milkweed plant. Monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains fly down to the forests of Mexico near Mexico City. Monarchs west of the Rockies, winter in small groves of trees along the southern California coast. Some monarchs will travel up to 3000 miles. In Minnesota, monarchs that emerge in late summer will not mate or lay eggs. Instead they will prepare for a long and strenuous flight only to return in spring to lay their eggs. In preparation for these journeys, monarchs will load up on nectar before and during their travels. Fat is stored in the abdomen and must sustain them over the winter. The life span of an adult monarch varies, depending on the season in which it emerged. Those that emerge in early summer have the shortest life spans; living from two to five weeks. Those that emerge in late summer and migrate south may live up to eight months. While monarchs once numbered some 1 billion in 1996, their numbers have declined by approximately 90 percent in recent years. The decline is the result of numerous threats, particularly loss of habitat due to agricultural practices, development and cropland conversion. Loss of wintering habitat in Mexico and California has also had a negative impact on the species. The monarch’s exclusive larval host plant and a critical food source is native milkweed, which has been eradicated or severely degraded in many areas across the U.S. The accelerated conversion of the continent’s native short and tallgrass prairie habitat to farming has also had an adverse impact on the monarch. Today many people are helping out butterflies by providing habitat in the form of butterfly gardens. Butterflies prefer flowers such as asters, coreopsis, bee balm and yarrow. These will provide adults with a good source of nectar. You may also want to include host plants for caterpillars. Depending on butterfly species, these may include milkweed, willow, flowering kale, or hackberry. Placing large flat rocks in a sunny spot will provide a warm spot for butterflies to perch and spread their wings. Butterflies will also appreciate mud puddles to drink from. Finally, placing a pile of hollow logs and sticks will provide a place for butterfly eggs, larvae, pupae to develop. Find out more about monarchs at Tamarac’s Annual Fall Festival, “Bees and Butterflies” Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Discover the unique lifestyles of these important pollinators, their struggle for survival and what you can do to help. There will be a children’s activity trail, a puppet show, music, presentations on bees and butterflies, honey tasting, refuge tours, annual photo contest display and more. Tweets by @DLNewspapersAs summer quietly slips away, autumn starts its slow but steady progression.Eventually deciduous trees show their brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange including the Tamarack which will be illuminated in golden needles throughout the refuge.The skies come alive with swans, geese, and migratory birds starting their journey south. Spend some time in nature to rejuvenate your spirit before the frigid temperatures arrive and enjoy the beautiful transition of seasons. See you on the refuge where the blacktop ends and the backwoods begin.Sanctuary now openAfter a busy summer of waterfowl and other wildlife raising their young, the sanctuary area is now open for visitors use.
Venture onto the many trails of Tamarac to experience pure Minnesota wilderness. Beginning Sept. 1, and continuing through February, the northern half of the refuge will be open for hiking and foraging for wild edibles.During the fall, the refuge permits hunting for small game, waterfowl and white-tailed deer. However, there are still a few areas closed. Be sure to pick up a brochure at the information kiosks located at the entrances of the refuge.To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, take a drive on the Blackbird Wildlife Drive. This five mile drive follows the edges of lakes, marshes and meadows. If you feel inclined to exercise, hike the two- mile long Old Indian Hiking Trail and experience the beauty of the maple basswood forest.Another option is to venture out on the North Country Trail which traverses 14 miles through the southern half of the refuge.Visitor centerIf you’ve got questions, our enthusiastic staff has answers. We are eager to help you make the most of your visit. Check out our interactive exhibits and learn about the diverse habitats which support Tamarac’s many species of wildlife. Learn about the historical use of the refuge including that of the Ojibwe Indians and the European settlers.Be sure to view our large screen presentation: “Tamarac: Its Life and Legends.” Before you leave, browse in the Tamarac Bookshop. Proceeds from sales support educational programs at the refuge.The visitor center is located 9 miles north of Hwy 34. Visitor center hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through Oct. 18.Programs and activities Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Mino-Bimadiziwin: The Good Life” - The Good Life is an engaging portrait of a community on the White Earth reservation where the peoples’ lives revolve around the annual harvest of wild rice. Many wonderful and intimate moments show the hardships and rewards experienced by those who continue to live off the land.Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “A Sense of Wonder: Rachel Carson’s Love of the Natural World and her Fight to Defend it” - When pioneering environmentalist Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962, the backlash from her critics thrust her into the center of a political storm. This film is an intimate and poignant reflection of Carson’s life as she emerges as America’s most successful advocate for the natural world. Saturday, Sept. 19, Fall Photo Safari from 2-4:30 p.m. - Experience autumn on the refuge through the lens of your camera. Visit some unique areas to capture the changing color. Bring a snack, water and your creativity! Led by refuge volunteer guides and members of the Detroit Lakes Photography Club. Meet at the Discovery Center located across the parking lot from the Visitor Center.Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Pollen Nation” - Follow the journey of a commercial bee keeper from the honey harvest on the high plains to the warm winter feeding grounds of California. Learn why honeybees and numerous species of native bees are in serious decline and how it’s affecting our dinner table and that of wildlife.Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Beavers, the Biggest Dam Movie You Ever Saw!” - Take an intimate swim with beavers and experience the rich aquatic habitat of one of nature’s greatest engineers.Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Annual Fall Festival, Bees and Butterflies - Spend a beautiful fall day on the refuge and celebrate Monarch Butterflies and Bees. Discover their importance in the ecosystem and why both of these pollinators are in peril. Learn what conservation efforts are being made and how you make a difference.Children’s activity trail, annual photo contest exhibit, guided tours and more! Lunch will be available for sale by the Friends of Tamarac.Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Planet Earth, Seasonal Forests” - Investigate temperate regions and find some of the most elusive creatures and well-adapted plant life on earth. From the giant sequoia to the Siberian forests, Forests bring to life a seemingly familiar world that remains largely unexplored.Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “An Original Duckumentary” - Ducks waddle, glide, dive, and dabble and their feathers shimmer with dazzling hues. Take to the skies with a flock of green-winged teal. Watch wood ducks raise a family. Learn why goldeneyes head north in the winter.Butterflies - Flowers in flightFor most of us, butterflies invoke visions of color, the warmth of summer breezes, and the promise of a new beginning.  Throughout history, butterflies have held a place in folklore and tradition.In Germany, butterflies were said to be witches out to steal “schmetten’ or cream, thus the name butterfly. The Aztecs believed that butterflies were the spirits of the “happy dead” who visited their relatives to assure them that all was well.[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1982632","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"350","title":"","width":"750"}}]]These ‘spirits’ flew around the house and near bouquets of flowers which were left for them. It was considered ill-mannered for a human to smell the flowers from the top, for the top was reserved for these spirits.The Blackfeet Indians of the west believed that dreams were brought to them in their sleep by butterflies. It was the custom for a Blackfoot woman to embroider the sign of a butterfly on a small piece of buckskin and place it in her baby’s hair hoping it would fall asleep.In Ojibwe folklore, for a wish to come true, one must first capture a butterfly and whisper his or her wish to it. Since the butterfly cannot make a sound, it could only reveal the wish to the Great Spirit. Once the butterfly is set free, the wish will be granted.Butterflies have a fascinating natural history as well. Butterflies are classified as insects. They have three body parts including the head, thorax and abdomen. Unlike spiders, they have six legs instead of eight. Perhaps a butterfly’s most noticeable feature is its wings. These wings are covered with thousands of colorful scales which overlap like shingles on a roof.All insects go through metamorphosis. Butterflies go through “complete” metamorphosis. Butterflies begin life as an egg. After five days pass, the egg hatches into a tiny larva or caterpillar. These caterpillars feed heavily on foliage and grow rapidly; shedding their exoskeletons many times.After the caterpillar goes through its final molt, it enters its third stage as a pupa or chrysalis. This is also called a cocoon. It then takes an additional two weeks for the chrysalis to emerge as a butterfly. Butterflies are diurnal meaning they feed during the day while moths are more active at night.Both adult moths and butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers. Here in Minnesota, there are more than 140 different species of butterflies. These butterflies represent 6 common families: the swallowtails, the milkweed butterfly family (monarchs), the gossamer wing family, the admirals, the skippers and the white and sulphur family.Monarchs are perhaps the most familiar butterfly. Monarchs are found across the United States. Much research has been conducted on monarchs because of their unique migration. They fly south to avoid the winter weather and must return north for their specific larval food source- the common milkweed plant. Monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains fly down to the forests of Mexico near Mexico City.Monarchs west of the Rockies, winter in small groves of trees along the southern California coast. Some monarchs will travel up to 3000 miles. In Minnesota, monarchs that emerge in late summer will not mate or lay eggs.Instead they will prepare for a long and strenuous flight only to return in spring to lay their eggs.In preparation for these journeys, monarchs will load up on nectar before and during their travels. Fat is stored in the abdomen and must sustain them over the winter.The life span of an adult monarch varies, depending on the season in which it emerged. Those that emerge in early summer have the shortest life spans; living from two to five weeks. Those that emerge in late summer and migrate south may live up to eight months.While monarchs once numbered some 1 billion in 1996, their numbers have declined by approximately 90 percent in recent years. The decline is the result of numerous threats, particularly loss of habitat due to agricultural practices, development and cropland conversion.Loss of wintering habitat in Mexico and California has also had a negative impact on the species.The monarch’s exclusive larval host plant and a critical food source is native milkweed, which has been eradicated or severely degraded in many areas across the U.S. The accelerated conversion of the continent’s native short and tallgrass prairie habitat to farming has also had an adverse impact on the monarch.Today many people are helping out butterflies by providing habitat in the form of butterfly gardens. Butterflies prefer flowers such as asters, coreopsis, bee balm and yarrow. These will provide adults with a good source of nectar.You may also want to include host plants for caterpillars. Depending on butterfly species, these may include milkweed, willow, flowering kale, or hackberry. Placing large flat rocks in a sunny spot will provide a warm spot for butterflies to perch and spread their wings. Butterflies will also appreciate mud puddles to drink from.Finally, placing a pile of hollow logs and sticks will provide a place for butterfly eggs, larvae, pupae to develop.Find out more about monarchs at Tamarac’s Annual Fall Festival, “Bees and Butterflies” Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Discover the unique lifestyles of these important pollinators, their struggle for survival and what you can do to help. There will be a children’s activity trail, a puppet show, music, presentations on bees and butterflies, honey tasting, refuge tours, annual photo contest display and more.Tweets by @DLNewspapersAs summer quietly slips away, autumn starts its slow but steady progression.Eventually deciduous trees show their brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange including the Tamarack which will be illuminated in golden needles throughout the refuge.The skies come alive with swans, geese, and migratory birds starting their journey south. Spend some time in nature to rejuvenate your spirit before the frigid temperatures arrive and enjoy the beautiful transition of seasons. See you on the refuge where the blacktop ends and the backwoods begin.Sanctuary now openAfter a busy summer of waterfowl and other wildlife raising their young, the sanctuary area is now open for visitors use.[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1982631","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"350","title":"","width":"750"}}]]Venture onto the many trails of Tamarac to experience pure Minnesota wilderness. Beginning Sept. 1, and continuing through February, the northern half of the refuge will be open for hiking and foraging for wild edibles.During the fall, the refuge permits hunting for small game, waterfowl and white-tailed deer. However, there are still a few areas closed. Be sure to pick up a brochure at the information kiosks located at the entrances of the refuge.To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, take a drive on the Blackbird Wildlife Drive. This five mile drive follows the edges of lakes, marshes and meadows. If you feel inclined to exercise, hike the two- mile long Old Indian Hiking Trail and experience the beauty of the maple basswood forest.Another option is to venture out on the North Country Trail which traverses 14 miles through the southern half of the refuge.Visitor centerIf you’ve got questions, our enthusiastic staff has answers. We are eager to help you make the most of your visit. Check out our interactive exhibits and learn about the diverse habitats which support Tamarac’s many species of wildlife. Learn about the historical use of the refuge including that of the Ojibwe Indians and the European settlers.Be sure to view our large screen presentation: “Tamarac: Its Life and Legends.” Before you leave, browse in the Tamarac Bookshop. Proceeds from sales support educational programs at the refuge.The visitor center is located 9 miles north of Hwy 34. Visitor center hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through Oct. 18.Programs and activities Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Mino-Bimadiziwin: The Good Life” - The Good Life is an engaging portrait of a community on the White Earth reservation where the peoples’ lives revolve around the annual harvest of wild rice. Many wonderful and intimate moments show the hardships and rewards experienced by those who continue to live off the land.Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “A Sense of Wonder: Rachel Carson’s Love of the Natural World and her Fight to Defend it” - When pioneering environmentalist Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962, the backlash from her critics thrust her into the center of a political storm. This film is an intimate and poignant reflection of Carson’s life as she emerges as America’s most successful advocate for the natural world. Saturday, Sept. 19, Fall Photo Safari from 2-4:30 p.m. - Experience autumn on the refuge through the lens of your camera. Visit some unique areas to capture the changing color. Bring a snack, water and your creativity! Led by refuge volunteer guides and members of the Detroit Lakes Photography Club. Meet at the Discovery Center located across the parking lot from the Visitor Center.Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Pollen Nation” - Follow the journey of a commercial bee keeper from the honey harvest on the high plains to the warm winter feeding grounds of California. Learn why honeybees and numerous species of native bees are in serious decline and how it’s affecting our dinner table and that of wildlife.Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Beavers, the Biggest Dam Movie You Ever Saw!” - Take an intimate swim with beavers and experience the rich aquatic habitat of one of nature’s greatest engineers.Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Annual Fall Festival, Bees and Butterflies - Spend a beautiful fall day on the refuge and celebrate Monarch Butterflies and Bees. Discover their importance in the ecosystem and why both of these pollinators are in peril. Learn what conservation efforts are being made and how you make a difference.Children’s activity trail, annual photo contest exhibit, guided tours and more! Lunch will be available for sale by the Friends of Tamarac.Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “Planet Earth, Seasonal Forests” - Investigate temperate regions and find some of the most elusive creatures and well-adapted plant life on earth. From the giant sequoia to the Siberian forests, Forests bring to life a seemingly familiar world that remains largely unexplored.Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m.: Movie: “An Original Duckumentary” - Ducks waddle, glide, dive, and dabble and their feathers shimmer with dazzling hues. Take to the skies with a flock of green-winged teal. Watch wood ducks raise a family. Learn why goldeneyes head north in the winter.Butterflies - Flowers in flightFor most of us, butterflies invoke visions of color, the warmth of summer breezes, and the promise of a new beginning.  Throughout history, butterflies have held a place in folklore and tradition.In Germany, butterflies were said to be witches out to steal “schmetten’ or cream, thus the name butterfly. The Aztecs believed that butterflies were the spirits of the “happy dead” who visited their relatives to assure them that all was well.
These ‘spirits’ flew around the house and near bouquets of flowers which were left for them. It was considered ill-mannered for a human to smell the flowers from the top, for the top was reserved for these spirits.The Blackfeet Indians of the west believed that dreams were brought to them in their sleep by butterflies. It was the custom for a Blackfoot woman to embroider the sign of a butterfly on a small piece of buckskin and place it in her baby’s hair hoping it would fall asleep.In Ojibwe folklore, for a wish to come true, one must first capture a butterfly and whisper his or her wish to it. Since the butterfly cannot make a sound, it could only reveal the wish to the Great Spirit. Once the butterfly is set free, the wish will be granted.Butterflies have a fascinating natural history as well. Butterflies are classified as insects. They have three body parts including the head, thorax and abdomen. Unlike spiders, they have six legs instead of eight. Perhaps a butterfly’s most noticeable feature is its wings. These wings are covered with thousands of colorful scales which overlap like shingles on a roof.All insects go through metamorphosis. Butterflies go through “complete” metamorphosis. Butterflies begin life as an egg. After five days pass, the egg hatches into a tiny larva or caterpillar. These caterpillars feed heavily on foliage and grow rapidly; shedding their exoskeletons many times.After the caterpillar goes through its final molt, it enters its third stage as a pupa or chrysalis. This is also called a cocoon. It then takes an additional two weeks for the chrysalis to emerge as a butterfly. Butterflies are diurnal meaning they feed during the day while moths are more active at night.Both adult moths and butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers. Here in Minnesota, there are more than 140 different species of butterflies. These butterflies represent 6 common families: the swallowtails, the milkweed butterfly family (monarchs), the gossamer wing family, the admirals, the skippers and the white and sulphur family.Monarchs are perhaps the most familiar butterfly. Monarchs are found across the United States. Much research has been conducted on monarchs because of their unique migration. They fly south to avoid the winter weather and must return north for their specific larval food source- the common milkweed plant. Monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains fly down to the forests of Mexico near Mexico City.Monarchs west of the Rockies, winter in small groves of trees along the southern California coast. Some monarchs will travel up to 3000 miles. In Minnesota, monarchs that emerge in late summer will not mate or lay eggs.Instead they will prepare for a long and strenuous flight only to return in spring to lay their eggs.In preparation for these journeys, monarchs will load up on nectar before and during their travels. Fat is stored in the abdomen and must sustain them over the winter.The life span of an adult monarch varies, depending on the season in which it emerged. Those that emerge in early summer have the shortest life spans; living from two to five weeks. Those that emerge in late summer and migrate south may live up to eight months.While monarchs once numbered some 1 billion in 1996, their numbers have declined by approximately 90 percent in recent years. The decline is the result of numerous threats, particularly loss of habitat due to agricultural practices, development and cropland conversion.Loss of wintering habitat in Mexico and California has also had a negative impact on the species.The monarch’s exclusive larval host plant and a critical food source is native milkweed, which has been eradicated or severely degraded in many areas across the U.S. The accelerated conversion of the continent’s native short and tallgrass prairie habitat to farming has also had an adverse impact on the monarch.Today many people are helping out butterflies by providing habitat in the form of butterfly gardens. Butterflies prefer flowers such as asters, coreopsis, bee balm and yarrow. These will provide adults with a good source of nectar.You may also want to include host plants for caterpillars. Depending on butterfly species, these may include milkweed, willow, flowering kale, or hackberry. Placing large flat rocks in a sunny spot will provide a warm spot for butterflies to perch and spread their wings. Butterflies will also appreciate mud puddles to drink from.Finally, placing a pile of hollow logs and sticks will provide a place for butterfly eggs, larvae, pupae to develop.Find out more about monarchs at Tamarac’s Annual Fall Festival, “Bees and Butterflies” Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Discover the unique lifestyles of these important pollinators, their struggle for survival and what you can do to help. There will be a children’s activity trail, a puppet show, music, presentations on bees and butterflies, honey tasting, refuge tours, annual photo contest display and more.Tweets by @DLNewspapers