STAFFORD COUNTY — On Saturday, Sept. 15, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge will host its annual Monarch Mania event. This free event runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Quivira’s Environmental Education Classroom. Activities include Monarch tagging, butterfly catching demonstrations, face-painting, crafts, and an outdoor Butterfly Pavilion with live butterflies for up-close viewing.   

Participants, young and old, can borrow an insect net to pursue and capture as many monarchs as possible. Staff will then tag and release each monarch. Each tag carries a unique number that can be tracked through a national database, should the monarch be re-captured elsewhere. Seven monarchs from 2017’s tagging activities were reported from Mexico.

The orange and black monarch, a familiar, native species of butterfly, is well known for its extensive annual migration from the United States to Mexico each fall. Loss of habitat, nectar, and food plants in recent decades has raised concerns for increased conservation.   

Monarch Mania is an exciting and rewarding family event. Refreshments will be served. Registration is not required. The Environmental Education Classroom is located in the center of Quivira at 1313A NE 140th Avenue, or 7 miles north of the Refuge Headquarters. For more information, contact the refuge at 620-486-2393.