Oahe Downstream Recreation Area north of Fort Pierre is hosting the 7th Annual “Little Wings on the Prairie” Butterfly Festival tomorrow (July 17) from 9am-noon CDT.
The event will be held at the Oahe Downstream Prairie Butterfly Garden near the park’s Welcome Center.
The festival includes a number of activities and teaching stations where families can learn about South Dakota pollinators.
The Pollinator’s Parade starts at 10:30am. Kids can wear costumes (bees, butterflies, insects, birds) and join in the parade. Adults are also welcome to join the parade. A limited number of paper wings are available this week (July 12-16) from the South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre for decorating and wearing in the parade.
Other activities include:
- Garden Tours – Identify the native plants in the garden and the importance of the pollinators that call the garden their home;
- How-to demonstrations – Do-it-yourself instructions on how to create your own butterfly garden, pollinator ball or native bee house;
- Honey Tasting – Sample the sweet results of the bee’s hard work;
- Dakota Horizons Girl Scouts – Enjoy mobile STEM Center and Monarch Citizen Scientists activity;
- Kid’s Activities – Make your own antennae, run the migration maze, play other pollinator games, face painting, explore insects, garden journaling; and
- Give “Beasley” a Hug – Don’t be afraid of bees – this one is fuzzy and cuddly.
At this annual event, participants have an opportunity to view, learn and ask questions about pollinators and enjoy the family-friendly activities. Information will be presented by US Fish and Wildlife Service, SD Game, Fish and Parks, SDSU Extension, South Dakota Discovery Center, Pheasants Forever, the Girl Scouts and Sam the Beekeeper.
Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable clothing and shoes, insect repellent, sun screen, binoculars, costumes and something to drink.
There is no charge for the event, but a South Dakota State Park Entrance License is required for all motor vehicles entering the park. Parking attendants will be on-site.
For more information, call 605.223.7722. The Oahe Downstream Recreation Area is located five miles north of Fort Pierre off SD Highway 1806.
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