Essex County Hosts Butterfly Tent Safari in Roseland July 16-30

Essex County is inviting the public to experience the “Butterfly Tent Safari” at the Essex County Environmental Center from July 16-30 in Roseland.

The Butterfly Tent Safari is an interactive display where visitors can observe hundreds of butterflies while walking through a tent. It will be held from Saturday, July 16 to Saturday, July 30, Mondays to Fridays from 12 Noon to 3 p.m.; Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Closed on Sundays

A $2 per person admission is suggested. Proceeds will go to the Essex County Parks Foundation and be used to support future educational programs.

In addition to the public viewing times, the Environmental Center is offering butterfly-themed family programs that include access to the butterfly tent on Saturdays July 16, 23 and 30. Cost of the family programs is $8 per child and $10 per adult. Pre-registration is required. Participation in these programs also includes time in the butterfly tent. The schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, July 16 at 11 a.m.: Appropriate for children ages 3 to 7 years. Musician Lauren Hooker will use songs, percussion and movement to engage children in this original program about Monarch butterflies.

• Saturday, July 16 at 12:30 p.m.: Appropriate for children ages 3½  to 5 years. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” will be read and students will participate in an arts and crafts session.

• Saturday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.: Appropriate for children ages 5 years and older. “Buzz into Action with Insect Education” is a family-fun and hands-on presentation about bugs and butterflies.

• Saturday, July 30 at 12 Noon: Appropriate for adults and children ages 8 years and older. “Butterfly Gardening Workshop” will be led by Essex County Rutgers Master Gardener Jean Greeley, who will talk about the basics of creating a butterfly garden.

For information about the Butterfly Tent Safari, call the Essex County Environmental Center at 973-228-8776.