Butterfly magic and more

Tucson, AZ - One of Tucson's favorite annual events is now open - Butterfly Magic at the Gardens. The greenhouse at the Tucson Botanical Gardens' has transformed into a magical place filled with hundreds of spectacular butterflies from all over the world.

Marvel at the brilliant colors, varied shapes, sizes and species of butterflies. Don't miss this year's gorgeous selection of butterflies from Asia, Australia, Africa and the Tropical Americas. AND, each Sunday in November, in addition to the butterfly exhibit, families are invited to enjoy hands-on educational activities.

Join us in the Gardens from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. each Sunday in November for different themed activities and demonstrations. These events are free with paid general garden and Butterfly Magic admission.

NOVEMBER ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Nov. 8 Butterflies and more. Featuring live caterpillars, live chrysalises, dried chrysalises and information on the life cycle of the butterfly.
Nov. 15 Invasives. A demonstration on bufflegrass and its impact. Fire demo scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 Bat exhibit. Includes photographs of bats by Mary Warren.
Nov. 29 Bugging Out. Tucson Botanical Gardens and Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute partner to display live creepy, exciting bugs from the Sonoran Desert and the tropical rainforests of the world. The live arthropods will include living ant colonies, tarantulas, vinegaroons, scorpions and centipedes.

Hours & admission
Exhibit hours: Open daily 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Day.
Garden hours: Open daily 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Admission to the exhibit (includes Gardens' admission): $12 for adults (ages 13+), $6.50 for children ages 4-12. The exhibit is free for children 3 and younger.

OTHER BUTTERFLY EVENTS
Behind the Scenes of Butterfly Magic Tour
Get up close as our curators teach you how to participate in the release of butterflies into the Butterfly Magic exhibit. Staff will explain and answer your questions as you witness the amazing life cycle and interesting habits of our butterflies. This half-hour is the most in-depth, hands-on experience you can have with the curators, the emergence room and the flight exhibit. Learn about sources of our butterflies, how they are fed and cared for, and the impact that our exhibit has on the tropical rainforests where our butterflies start their lives.

Hours & admission
Hours: Saturdays from 9:30 -10 a.m.
Admission (includes admission to the Butterfly Magic exhibit and the Gardens): $20 for adults, $10 for children 4-12. Children under 3 are free. Limit 5 per tour.
After Hours Butterfly Photo Sessions
Take photos of gorgeous butterflies without the crowds! Monopods, tripods and lights are allowed. $25 per photographer. Sign up at the Gardens Gift Shop or by calling (520)326-9686, Ext.10. Limit 5 photographers per session.

Hours & admission
Hours: Sundays (Through April 25, 2010), 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Admission: $25 per photographer

Adopt a Butterfly
Adopt a butterfly and keep the butterflies fluttering in our Butterfly Magic exhibit, just $5 per pupae. Help take part in butterfly conservation, show that your company or family supports Butterfly Magic or give a butterfly as a gift. Butterflies can be adopted at www.tucsonbotanical.org or by calling (520) 326-9686, Ext. 13.

About the Gardens
All proceeds benefit the Tucson Botanical Gardens, a private, non-profit organization that promotes botanical, horticultural, and ecological education; encourages responsible environmental stewardship; and provides a beautiful setting for enjoyment and relaxation.

Tucson Botanical Gardens, designated as America's Best Secret Garden by Reader's Digest, is an urban oasis in the heart of Tucson featuring a 5 ½ acre collection of 17 specialty gardens. It is located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 326-9686, Ext. 10, email info@tucsonbotanical.org or visit www.tucsonbotanical.org.