Monarchs fly high at Peirce Homestead
A monarch butterfly rests on a bush at the homestead. Photos source: Paula Fay
Oscar (left) and Lark Hurley hold the butterflies they raised from caterpillars.
Diana Hunt (left ) and Pat Balise prepare supplies for the Monarchs over Middleboro event at the Peter H. Peirce Homestead. 
Materials from the Monarchs over Middleboro event.
A monarch butterfly rests on a bush at the homestead. Photos source: Paula Fay
Oscar (left) and Lark Hurley hold the butterflies they raised from caterpillars.
Diana Hunt (left ) and Pat Balise prepare supplies for the Monarchs over Middleboro event at the Peter H. Peirce Homestead.
Materials from the Monarchs over Middleboro event.
MIDDLEBORO — Area kids and their caregivers learned about and witnessed the life cycle of butterflies at two recent Friends of the Middleboro Library events.
The event series Learn, Raise and Release: Monarchs over Middleboro was led by Pat Balise and Diana Hunt at the Peter H. Peirce Homestead, at 132 N. Main St.
On Aug. 23 families learned about the stages of monarch development, the insects’ yearly migration south to Mexico and why pollinator gardens are important for their survival.
They were also given a caterpillar and instructions for its care.
These families returned to the homestead Sept. 13 to release their butterflies, discuss their experiences and celebrate.
The goal of the event was to increase the population of monarchs —an endangered species —and improve Middleboro’s environment through additional pollinators.
A Local Cultural Council grant partially funded the event, with support from Beantown Home Improvement and Michelle's Greenhouses.
