6021 Development Drive, Suite 2, Charleston, IL 61920 info@colescountyswcd.org 217-345-3901 ext. 3

Charleston to Host Butterfly Festival on Saturday, August 3rd

Celebrating our Natural Resources: Kids Activities, Expert Advice, Nature Walks, Kite-Flying Performances, Food Trucks, Kayak Demos, and more!

Come and learn about all the natural resources Charleston has to offer for leisure, mental and physical health, and best practices for conservation. Celebrate the efforts of the Urban Butterfly Initiative (Coles County SWCD’s 2022 Conservationist of the Year!) to increase biodiversity. Get advice for your own gardens, lawns, and pollinator plots. Bring the kids to see native creatures up close and participate in fun activities! All at beautiful Lake Charleston!

Exhibitors and participants will include the Coles County SWCD, Urban Butterfly Initiative, Grand Prairie Friends, Douglas Hart Nature Center, Fox Ridge Foundation, Charleston Birders, IDNR Fisheries, Charleston Tree Commission, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, Pheasants Forever, Charleston Parks and Rec, Coles County Arts Council, Charleston Carnegie Library, Charleston CAN Play, Charleston Scouting America, University of Illinois Extension Coles County, and more.

August 3rd is also the second to last day of the Urban Butterfly Initiative’s annual “Butterfly Blitz.” Participants in the Blitz can stop by the UBI table at the Festival and receive a special patch! Additional mini-events are planned for the week leading up to the festival. For more information about the event, exhibitors, and a detailed agenda, please visit https://www.charlestonillinois.org/community/charleston_tourism/butterfly_festival.php.

Parking Note: Due to limited parking at Lake Charleston, a free shuttle (handicap and stroller accessible) will run continuously between Linder Sports Complex and the Lake. Please park at Linder Sports Complex to take the shuttle and watch the kite-flying performance while there. David Zavell, kite enthusiast and owner of Chicago Kite/Kite Harbor, will be bringing a team of experienced kite fliers to Linder Sports Complex for kite demonstrations. If you are interested in taking a walking trail to the Lake, parking is also available at Sister City Park and Woodyard Conservation Area.