The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary has announced that it will be hosting its free annual event Monarchs, Meadows and More on September 22, noon-2:30 pm, 8 Commerce Road. The sanctuary invites curious minds and outdoor enthusiasts to join them in exploring the wonders of butterflies, bees, birds, pollinators, the plants that sustain them and how to protect these important creatures. September is the ideal time to witness the endangered monarch as their migration path runs straight through Connecticut.

According to the CT Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (CT NOFA), changing landscapes from meadows to lawns, and farmland to subdivisions, poses a real threat to food production and pollinator species. CT NOFA states, “With 19% of Connecticut’s native plants listed as endangered and the remaining populations in declining numbers, we are facing a precipitous decline in our pollinator populations.”

That’s why the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is taking extraordinary measures to protect and provide sanctuary for these fragile creatures and is excited to celebrate its 12,000 square foot Ecotype Project pollinator garden and restored meadows with readers. As an official Monarch Waystation, certified firefly habitat, and a North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Certified Monarch & Butterfly Garden, the sanctuary is committed to creating, conserving and protecting pollinator habitats.

Each year, more than 200 people attend this family event, which greatly increases public knowledge of native plants, beneficial insects, butterflies and tangible ways of protecting pollinators. This event is critical now more than ever given the recent classification of the monarch butterfly as an endangered species. Those interested in attending can register at cvhfoundation.org/event/monarchs-meadows-more-3/.

Event highlights include monarch butterfly tagging through Monarch Watch, meadow net sweeping and insect discovery, bird exploration, “Catherine’s Craft Corner” and art station, launching pollinator plant seed bombs to populate the meadows, native pollinator plants for sale, and adoptable dogs from Lucky Dog Refuge.

The sanctuary is committed to supporting and protecting the natural environment through education initiatives and land stewardship of its 34-acre property. The sanctuary has made significant positive impacts on the land and continues to implement new initiatives to foster the diverse ecosystem of meadows, woodlands, waterways and trails. 2021 marked the completion of the sanctuary’s three-year pollinator protection initiative, which included the re-establishment of a four-acre native meadow habitat, installation of a 12,000 square foot ecotype pollinator garden, and creation of an apiary supporting approximately one million bees. Additionally, the on-site community and pollinator gardens have previously harvested over 6,000 pounds of produce, as well as provide critical shelter, sustenance & migration space for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators.

Jennifer Hubbard, president of the CVH Animal Sanctuary, said, “We are thrilled to be hosting our annual Monarchs, Meadows & More event once again and open the doors of our sanctuary to both returning and new faces.” Hubbard continued, “Butterflies were some of Catherine’s favorite creatures and she would stop in awe every time she saw one. This event is a way for us to honor her love of butterflies by sharing the knowledge needed to protect and care for their survival.”

On June 8th, the monarch butterfly was ceremoniously renamed the Catherine Butterfly for one day in memory of Catherine’s 18th birthday. Monarchs, Meadows & More continues that legacy of protecting and educating about our precious pollinators.

For more information on Monarchs, Meadows and More or to learn more about the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, please visit cvhfoundation.org.