2026 National Pollinator Week – Life on a Leaf: Celebrating Caterpillars + Host Plants
We invite nature lovers, conscious citizens and curious minds to join us from Monday, June 22-Sunday, June 28 as we explore and learn more about the small creatures that make a big impact in our world: the pollinators! From birds to bees to butterflies, our team is raising awareness on how to protect and advocate for pollinators. Browse workshops below:
Schedule & Programming (Click each workshop to view):
Wednesday, June 24 | 11:30 a.m. | The Gardens at Stowe | Ages 12+ | $5 (General Garden Admission or Membership required)
Part of our Pollinator Week Programming
Become part of the magic as you help welcome our newest butterflies to the Butterfly Bungalow.
During this behind-the-scenes experience, participants will take part in releasing butterflies into the exhibit. Seated among hundreds of free-flying butterflies, you’ll carefully open the protective envelopes and watch as each butterfly begins its first moments in its new home. Some immediately take flight, while others take a little longer to stretch their wings and wake up, making every release unique.
To provide the best possible experience for both guests and the new butterflies, the Butterfly Bungalow will be closed to the public during this small-group event. The release itself typically lasts about 15–20 minutes, but we’ve reserved up to 30 minutes to allow plenty of time to enjoy the moment.
Participants should arrive at the Butterfly Bungalow 10–15 minutes before the start time so we can begin promptly and maximize time inside the exhibit.
Important Notes
- Ages 12 and up only
- Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult guardian
- Gloves are required and provided (latex free)
- Guests will remain seated during the experience to help ensure the safety of the butterflies
*Because this experience depends on the arrival of our weekly butterfly shipment, occasional delays or cancellations are possible. While we schedule the release with a built-in buffer to accommodate most delivery delays, butterfly arrivals are ultimately outside of our control.
Tickets may be purchased online or at our Front Desk while quantities last.
This special opportunity offers a rare glimpse into a part of butterfly care that most guests never get to see—and the chance to be among the first to welcome our newest winged residents.
Thursday, June 25 | 4:30-6 p.m. | The Farmhouse | Recommended Ages 12+ | $30 Member; $35 Non-member
Part of our Pollinator Week Programming.
Celebrate Pollinator Week by creating a one-of-a-kind mosaic inspired by the creatures that keep our gardens blooming.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and assemble a pollinator-themed mosaic using colorful pre-cut tile pieces and grout. Choose from a variety of simple designs inspired by butterflies, bees, moths, flowers and other pollinator favorites, then build your artwork inside a shallow wooden frame to create a finished decorative piece to take home.
The workshop will take place outdoors in the Farmhouse Garden Store Courtyard during our Village Market event, creating the perfect backdrop for a creative evening. Before crafting begins, members of our horticulture team will share a brief educational presentation on Pollinator Week, highlighting the importance of pollinators, native plants and the simple actions we can all take to support healthy ecosystems.
Come a bit early to explore the Village Market featuring local vendors, including fresh sourdough, honey, home goods and more. The Farmhouse Garden Store and Trailhead Store will also be open throughout the event, offering plants, gifts, coffee, beer and wine.
Important Information
- All materials and instruction are included
- Participants will take home their completed mosaic artwork to dry and set
- Guided butterfly walks around different sections of The Gardens at Stowe
- Learn about local butterfly species, their habitats, behaviors and so much more.
- Discover hidden gems and scenic spots within the Garden while observing butterflies and other pollinators in their natural environment.
- This event is open to all ages. Pets are not allowed on this walk since it takes place inside The Gardens at Stowe.
- Please dress appropriately for being outdoors in summer weather. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
- Participants are encouraged to respect wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles during the walk.
- While registration is not required for this event, you must be either a member to enter the Garden or pay the general admission fee to enter the Gardens to join the walk.
Friday, June 26 | 3-3:30 p.m. | $10 (General Garden Admission or Membership required) | Limited to 20 Participants
Part of our Pollinator Week Programming.
Go beyond the butterfly and discover the often-overlooked world of caterpillars during this special Pollinator Week experience inside the Butterfly Bungalow.
Led by Butterfly Exhibit Specialist Candace Duncan, this private guided tour will explore the critical role host plants play in the butterfly life cycle and why supporting caterpillars is just as important as providing nectar for adult butterflies. Participants will learn how butterflies select host plants, the challenges caterpillars face in the wild, and the many predators, pests and diseases that can impact their survival.
Candace will also share practical tips for growing and maintaining host plants at home, including strategies for protecting caterpillars while creating a healthy habitat that supports butterflies through every stage of their lives.
To provide an intimate learning experience, the Butterfly Bungalow will be closed to the public during this program, allowing participants to enjoy exclusive access to the exhibit while learning from one of Stowe’s butterfly experts.
As a special Pollinator Week bonus, each participant will receive a host plant grown in Stowe’s Native Nursery to take home and begin supporting pollinators in their own landscape.
Whether you’re a butterfly enthusiast, a gardener or simply curious about the hidden challenges of a caterpillar’s life, this unique experience offers an up-close look at the plants and processes that help butterflies thrive.
Friday, June 26 | 10-11 a.m. | Farmhouse | $30 per participant | Limited to 15 Participants
Part of our Pollinator Week Programming.
Help pollinators beat the summer heat while creating unique garden art of your own.
In this hands-on Pollinator Week workshop, participants will create up to two pollinator puddlers using upcycled dishes, terracotta saucers, and a variety of decorative materials including stones + glass beads.
These shallow water stations provide butterflies, bees, and other pollinators with a safe place to drink while reducing the risk of drowning, making them a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden.
Our instructor will guide participants through the process of designing and assembling their puddlers, while sharing tips on proper placement, maintenance and how simple water sources can support pollinators during the hottest months of the year. Design choices are entirely up to each participant, making every puddler a unique creation.
The workshop will be held outdoors in the Farmhouse Garden Store Courtyard. Arrive a little early and stop by the Trailhead Store for coffee or another favorite beverage before class begins.
Saturday, June 27 + Sunday, June 28 | 3-3:30 p.m. | $5 (Garden Admission or Membership required)
Get up close with the butterflies of the Butterfly Bungalow during this special feeding experience.
Using a nectar stick provided by our staff, participants will have the opportunity to offer a sweet treat to the butterflies and enjoy a closer encounter with these incredible insects. With a little patience, you may even find a butterfly landing nearby to enjoy its snack, creating a memorable photo opportunity and a unique chance to observe butterfly behavior up close.
While our butterflies spend their days feeding naturally from the nectar plants throughout the exhibit, even they enjoy an occasional special treat. To promote the health of the butterflies and encourage natural feeding behaviors, nectar-stick feedings are offered only during Butterfly Banquet sessions.
Important Information:
- Nectar sticks and instruction will be provided
- Butterflies may choose whether or not to feed or land near participants
- For the safety of the butterflies, guests may not touch the butterflies directly
- Offered on select dates only
Whether you’re hoping for a close-up photo, a memorable family experience, or simply a deeper appreciation for these delicate pollinators, the Butterfly Banquet offers a fun and responsible way to connect with the butterflies of the Bungalow.
Other ways to celebrate Pollinator Week
Reduce or eliminate pesticide usage
Share the importance of protecting pollinators with others
Buy local honey
