CULTURAL FEAST
H M N S C O C K R E L L B U T T E R F LY C E N T E R
“A Culinary Cultivation, All About the Birds and the Bees” Sunday, June 22, 6 p.m. Hosted at Haven Tickets $123, Members $93
www.hmns.org/butterflycenter
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BIRDS, BEES, BLOSSOMS, BERRIES – AND MORE National Pollinators Awareness Week, June 16 to 23 this year, was initiated by a group of biologists calling themselves the “Pollinator Partnership,” whose goal was to bring the public’s attention to the vital ecosystem services provided by bees, butterflies and moths, beetles, birds, and bats—and to make people aware of the urgent issue of their declining populations. Seven years ago, the US Senate voted unanimously to designate a week each June to commemorate the importance of pollinators. Pollinator Week has now grown to be an international celebration. Without pollinators to carry their pollen from flower to flower, plants could not form fruits or seeds to reproduce and to feed a whole ecosystem of hungry animals, including humans. Did you know that at least one of every three bites you take is thanks to a pollinator? (More if you are vegetarian.) To learn more about the threats facing pollinators and what you can do to help, visit the Pollinator Partnership’s webpage at www.pollinator.org. Also, make plans to attend the special pollinator events scheduled this month to learn more about the efforts of these hardworking, and essential, animals.
Chef Randy Evans of Haven Restaurant has created a spectacular menu showcasing the contributions of bees and other pollinators to our food—and drink—resources in celebration of the beginning of summer and National Pollinator Week. This pollinator party will be complete with demonstrations of harvesting honeycomb and honey.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Cockrell Butterfly Center Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m. Tickets $27, Members $20
and safely. Participants will meet at Rice’s private apiary to learn the ins and outs of beekeeping during National Pollinator Week. “Nature Photography Workshop” Wednesday, August 6, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. Tickets $200, Members $150 In this exotic photography adventure, you will learn how to get the best nature shots possible when photographing animals, insects and flora. Professional animal and nature photographer and instructor Amy Shutt will teach you the basics of your DSLR camera before venturing forth to photograph the insects, animals, flowers, plants and waterfall in the Cockrell Butterfly Center. All participants will receive one-on-one instruction with their personal equipment.
Meet the pollinators of the Cockrell Butterfly Center on a special behindthe-scenes tour led by Butterfly Center staff. In addition to the Butterfly Center and Insect Zoo, you will visit the containment room and rooftop greenhouses—areas not open to the public—where staff cares for the Museum’s butterflies and other insects. Kids 5 and above welcome!
HANDS ON CLASSES FOR ADULTS “Keeping Honey Bees” Wednesday, June 18, 6 p.m. Tickets $65, Members $45
MUSEUM STORE
Bees have been utilized by humans throughout history in art, food, medicine and science. Learn about this relationship in this engaging, hands-on beekeeping workshop. From the tools and techniques needed to start your own apiary to tips of daily life with bees, bee keeper Shelley Rice will share the basics of starting your own beehive and the professional methods required to harvest wax and honey naturally
Take flight this spring with exclusive butterfly collections from the Museum Store! Bring the Museum home with you in a butterfly display case— featuring the same stunning species you see in the Cockrell Butterfly Center—or embellish your unique style with impeccable hand-painted Lucite bracelets, rings, necklaces and brooches set in 10 karat gold vermeil from designer Alexis Bittar.