09/06/11 jb

HAYS, Kan. -- At Mad about Monarchs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 24, visitors can capture monarchs at the Fort Hays State University's Kansas Wetlands Education Center, northeast of Great Bend on K-156.

The program will include presentations on the migration of monarchs, kid crafts and the raffle of a butterfly quilt that was made and donated by Central Kansas Thread Benders Quilt Guild. All proceeds will go to Monarch Watch's "Bring Back the Monarchs" habitat restoration campaign.

Visitors can walk through the new wildflower/butterfly garden to view the butterfly-friendly plants and learn more about them from master gardeners James and Betty Taylor of Hutchinson. The dedication of the wildflower/butterfly garden is scheduled for noon.

All events are free and open to the public. Nets and tags will be provided for visitors. Door prizes will be available and light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Kansas Wetlands Education Center at wetlandscenter@fhsu.edu or call 877-243-9268.