“Come Fly With Us” will be held in celebration of the new Watershed Center for Environmental Advocacy, Science and Education and the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association’s 15th annual Butterfly Festival.
The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Attendees can explore the new LEED-platinum certified Watershed Center to discover ways all can make a difference for clean water and a healthy environment.
Held on the grounds of the 930-acre Watershed Reserve, the Butterfly Festival has attracted more than 2,000 visitors every summer. The event will feature tethered hot air balloon rides over the reserve for $10 per person; children under 3 ride for free, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Hear music by the Dadz and other entertainment on stage, see local artisans, have food, see an insect zoo, go on hay rides and nature walks and see the Butterfly and Bug Parade. Don’t forget a costume.
Visitors also can see yoga and hula-hoop demonstrations, a Star Lab, parachute games, bubbles the size of cars and a magic show. There will be crafts for all ages, including paper airplane construction and a quilt square coloring table.
Take a picture in the photo booth or the Be-Your-Selfie Spots. Keep cool in the chill tent and play in the H2Olympics.
Enter a free drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card. Raffle tickets will be on sale for the chance to win a hot air balloon ride for four over the Bucks County countryside.
All proceeds benefit the Watershed Association and help protect clean water and the environment in central New Jersey.
Shuttle parking for the Butterfly Festival is provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb across the street from the reserve; the access is from Titus Mill Road.
Admission is $10 per person or $25 per carload, and entry is free for new members signing up at the festival.
For discounts, register online at www.thewatershed.org. No smoking or pets are permitted at the festival.
Call 609-737-3735 for handicapped access and service animal permission.
Visit www.thewatershed.org to learn more about the festival.
Corporate sponsors are Bloomberg, Bristol-Myers Squibb, PSE&G, Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, CMIT Solutions, Eagle Building Maintenance & Janitorial, Jersey Solar LLC, Stellitano Heating and AC Inc., The Village Learning Center and Mid-Atlantic Water Proofing.
The Watershed Association’s education department offers public drop-in hours in the Kingsford Community Room.
Visit the nature center critters in their relocated home, chat with a teacher-naturalist, learn about upcoming public programs or pick up a trail map and get information about seasonal outdoor happenings on the trails.
Public visitor hours are Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. No registration or appointment is necessary.
Families and adults are welcome; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Questions? Call 737-7592.
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed’s nature reserve is open to the public for hiking seven days a week, dawn to dusk.
Stop by the main office to pick up a complimentary trail map before heading out.
The Watershed Reserve is at 31 Titus Mill Road in Hopewell Township.
For fee and other information, call 737-7592 or visit www.thewatershed.org.
