COSHOCTON − Clary Gardens hopes a new butterfly experience will inspire, education and delight the community.
The Vivarium at Clary Gardens was completed in early August with a grand opening ceremony planned for the spring. A soft opening for the sanctuary with limited hours for viewing and a Monarch butterfly celebration will take place this fall.
There will be a pollinators program with the Coshocton County District Library is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 10, at Clary Gardens, 588 W. Chestnut St. The facilitator will be Jodi Morrison, head gardener and educator at Clary Gardens.
“For years, Clary Gardens has been a haven for plant lovers, families and visitors seeking the solace and inspiration only nature can provide. Now, with the construction of The Vivarium at Clary, the gardens will expand their offerings, introducing a vibrant living exhibit dedicated to some of nature’s most exquisite and delicate creatures: butterflies,” Morrison said in a community announcement.
Four main goals
Morrison said the project has four main goals of conservation, education, community engagement and inspiration. They want to provide conservation by supporting local and global butterfly populations through habitat creation, breeding programs and public awareness. Education will be through hands-on learning experiences teaching the vital role butterflies play in pollination and ecosystem health.
“The Vivarium at Clary will be more than just an enclosure — it will serve as a dynamic ecosystem, carefully designed to mimic the habitats where butterflies thrive,” Morrison said. “Visitors will be able to step inside a lush environment filled with nectar-rich flowers, host plants and dozens of butterflies flitting gracefully overhead.”
The community component is also big as Morrison said they want to provide a tranquil environment where guests can witness the wonder of metamorphosis firsthand while gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world. They also want to be a resource for local gardeners, educators and citizen scientists regarding pollinators and sustainable practices.
Educational opportunities will include guided tours with expert naturalists; seasonal workshops on how to create butterfly gardens, identify local species and contribute to citizen scientist projects; customized school field trips aligning with state science standards; and special event butterfly releases.
“Butterflies are more than beautiful — they are essential pollinators whose populations are under threat from habitat loss, pesticides and climate change,” Morrison said.
Volunteers are also being sought to assist with planting, maintenance, educational programs, and butterfly care. Additionally, sponsorships, donations and in-kind contributions are being accepted to support the vivarium.
Clary Gardens is a nonprofit public garden spanning nearly 20 acres. For more information visit clarygardens.org or its Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Conservation and education are important components of The Vivarium at Clary Gardens
Reporting by Staff Reports / Coshocton Tribune
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