FORT LARNED – Did you know Fort Larned National Historic Site features a new butterfly garden?
Through community donations, Larned middle and high school students constructed the garden to attract the native pollinators of Kansas, which currently suffer from loss of habitat.
In celebration of both the new garden and Pollinator Week, Fort Larned welcomes children of all ages to an hour-long program at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20.
The program starts with a hands-on craft in the Visitor Center where children can make their very own butterflies. It will then move to the new butterfly garden, which is located next to the parking lot. Children can explore and learn about the importance of pollinators to the environment and what they can do to help them.
Pollination occurs when pollen is carried from flower to flower by pollinating animals such as birds, bees, bats, butterflies, moths, beetles, other animals, or by the wind. This transfer of pollen leads to fertilization and successful seed and fruit production for plants. Foods produced through the help of pollinators include blueberries, melons, potatoes, vanilla, chocolate, apples, coffee, peaches, and almonds.
In celebration of the National Park Service Centennial, Fort Larned National Historic Site invites you to discover the meaning of national parks, how your park inspires you – both in personal connections and memorable experiences.
Fort Larned National Historic Site is six miles west of Larned on K-156. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., information on visiting is on the Internet at www.nps.gov/fols, or by calling 620-285-6911.
There is no admission fee. Learn more at www.nps.gov.