The hatalhposhik (butterfly) is significant to the Chickasaw people, representing resilience and adaptability and an important area of focus at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. The cultural center is dedicated to the conservation efforts of these pollinators. In addition to the regularly scheduled activities taking place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14, guests will have the opportunity to participate in butterfly-themed horticulture activities.
Visitors can interact with dozens of butterflies in an immersive tent from Euchee Butterfly Farm and receive a pollinator plant for home gardens. Butterfly-themed short films will play inside the Anoli' Theater. There will be a dedicated kid’s zone featuring butterfly sensory bins, image matching activities, puzzles and a build-a-butterfly dice game. The event also features a painted lady caterpillar cup giveaway and photo booth for visitors to capture memories from the special day.
Visitors are invited to view the Butterfly Garden, a special oasis dedicated to these fluttering creatures of beauty and grace. The garden is an ideal habitat for butterflies and other native pollinators filled with nectar-producing plants and winter cover. Monarch butterflies enjoy the garden as they migrate between Canada, United States and Mexico.
In addition, the garden has large butterfly statues and educational panels to help guests learn more about the monarch butterfly and conservation efforts to aid in restoring their population.
Information booths will cover topics such as waystations, monarch conservation, native milkweeds and more. The Chickasaw Cultural Center has invited outside collaborators to attend such as 4-H Innovators, Okies for Monarchs, the Xerces Society and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
In addition to their regular menu, the Aaimpa' Café will have two specials: pollinator salad and butterfly cookies.
For more information about the Chickasaw Cultural Center, visit ChickasawCulturalCenter.com.