Dee’s Bee and Butterfly Festival

September 6, 2024 – 4:00pm-7:00pm

As a family gathered near the nature center’s garden, children’s faces lit up with excitement as they gently released a delicate, tagged Monarch butterfly. Together, they watched as it began the journey south to Mexico.

You can have the opportunity to tag a Monarch butterfly on September 6^th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Dee’s Bee and Butterfly Festival is free to the public and will take place at the Dickinson County Nature Center and Maser Monarch Lodge.  

This year we welcome Magician Travis Nye from Sioux Falls, SD, who has over 17 years of experience performing at a variety of venues. Nye will open and conclude the evening with two similar shows at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Throughout the evening, guests will learn about pollinators and enjoy butterfly tagging for the Monarch Watch program, a goat petting zoo, outdoor scavenger hunt, games, pollinator crafts, face painting, and more!   

Marlene Boernsen, owner of Boernsen Bees, will demonstrate, at 5:30 p.m., the sticky process of honey extraction from honeycomb made by her bee colonies. Boernsen will also have a booth with honey products available for purchase.

Troy and Sarah Davelaar, owners of Siouxland Prairie Farms, are joining us this year to inform us about the many benefits native plants offer and will also have plants for sale if you are looking to improve your green space.    

Enjoy some mouth-watering Texas-style barbeque made and sold by Back Alley BBQ, which you will be able to find just outside the front entrance of the nature center. If you have a sweet tooth, visit Sweetie the Bee in the craft-making area of Maser Monarch Lodge to try a free honey straw.

“This is an event you don’t want to miss! There’s fun for the entire family and anyone who is intrigued by these amazing creatures,” said Amy Heibult, the community relations coordinator for the Dickinson County Conservation Board.  

This event could only happen thanks to the dedication and contribution of those who freely give their time and efforts.

“We are extremely grateful to those who give their time to bring smiles to many faces. This day wouldn’t happen without the helping hands of our volunteers,” Heibult exclaimed.  Mark your calendar for September 6th to ensure you get in on the fun planned for the evening. For more information, call 712-336-6352 or visit www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com. Like and follow the Dickinson County Nature Center on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest updates and programs