Registration Coming Soon!
Flight of the Monarch Day
at the McMichael
Saturday, August 20, 2022
10 am to 2 pm
Come celebrate one of North America’s most cherished insects!
On Saturday, August 20th, we invite you to spend the day at the McMichael for Flight of the Monarch Day, a festival celebrating the beauty and contributions of the monarch butterfly. Visitors and families with children of all ages can may participate in art- and nature-themed activities throughout the day with McMichael Educators and environmental experts from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority!
Please note that all activities related to Flight of the Monarch Day will take place outdoors on the grounds of the McMichael.
Note: While all activities are free of charge, parking fees ($7/vehicle) are in effect.
Native Plants Workshop with Lynn Short
11:00 am, 12 and 1:30 pm
Join Lynn Short from the Humber College Horticulture Science Department to explore the Minokamik Garden. Lynn will explain the properties of the many plant species found throughout the garden as well as the activities of all the amazing pollinator friends who visit the garden and help it thrive!
Pre-registration for this workshop is encouraged. Walk-up participants are welcome if there is room.
Drop-in Family Artmaking
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Drop in with the McMichael creative team as we create colourful images inspired by the monarch butterfly and other pollinator creatures and plants found on the McMichael property! All materials provided.
DROP-IN SESSIONS — NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Outdoor Interpretive Hikes
9:30, 10:45 am and 1 pm
Join a McMichael Educator on an outdoor stroll around the McMichael’s grounds. Participants will learn about some of the iconic outdoor artworks and gain insight into the history of the Gallery’s native plant and green space revitalization projects.
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Monarch Explorations with Celina from the TRCA
10 am to 2 pm
Drop in for a learning session all about the majestic monarch butterfly! Participants will discover how a caterpillar’s diet ensures the entire species’ survival, how caterpillars transform into butterflies, and how they alter their biology to prepare for long migrations. You’ll have the opportunity to see specimens of eggs and caterpillars under the microscope, and to participate in a fun interactive monarch activity!
DROP-IN SESSIONS — NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Schedule of events
| Program | Time(s) | Location [map] |
|---|---|---|
| Native Plants Workshop with Lynn Short | 11:00 am, 12 and 1:30 pm | Minokamik Garden |
| Drop-in Family Art Making | 10:00 am to 2 pm | Minokamik Garden |
| Monarch Explorations with the TRCA | 10:00 am to 2 pm | Minokamik Garden |
All workshops will be located in and around the Minokamik Garden, which can be found within the McMichael’s Sculpture Garden. For a map of the grounds, please click here.
Safety measures
During the workshops and outdoor hikes, we kindly remind all participants to practice social distancing where possible.
This program is offered in partnership with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
