QUIVIRA WILDLIFE REFUGE – Armed with nets, a set of keen eyes and determination, children and adults will head into the trees and fields surrounding Quivira Refuge Visitors Center to tag Monarch butterflies during the 14th annual Monarch Mania event on Saturday, Sept. 18.

To increase butterfly capture and tagging success, the morning event will begin with tagging from 8 to 10 a.m. As people arrive, groups will head out with a tagging leader. Nets and tags are provided. Monarch migration is variable and there is no guarantee there will be lots of butterflies but participants always find a few butterflies even if it is not the height of migration. Monarch numbers within the Midwest have rebounded from a large winter kill, so it is hoped this will be an average migration year.

At 10 a.m., everyone will gather back at the Visitor’s Center for a kid-friendly presentation by Mark Neubrand on butterfly photography. Neubrand has taken up butterfly photography and used his printing business to bring attention to Kansas butterflies. He and his wife Bonnie have certified their backyard as a Monarch Waystation, National Wildlife Federation wildlife habitat and Audubon Songbird Habitat.

Kids can also make a butterfly and/or caterpillar craft. Stations will contain information about the Monarch migration and attracting butterflies to your yard .

The event is free and open to everyone. Light refreshments will be provided, along with a few prize drawings. For further information contact the refuge at (620) 486-2393.