GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Girl Scouts are invited to participate in an evening exploration of butterflies and moths from around the world at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s “Girl Scouts Explore: Lepidoptera” program May 1.

The program from 6 to 9 p.m. offers Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts the opportunity to learn how to identify, classify and pin butterfly specimens that will be added to the museum’s collections. By completing the program, Scouts may earn a museum logo patch with an accompanying “Lepidoptera” bar specially designed for the event.

“This event will provide Girl Scouts with a wonderful opportunity to not only learn about butterflies and moths first-hand, but also to interact with women in the science field and researchers with the ‘Butterfly Rainforest’ and the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity,” said Florida Museum educator Amber Hodges.

During the program, Scouts will explore the “Wall of Wings” and the “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit on a guided tour led by museum staff. Participants will also receive a take-home field notebook for recording information they learn about butterfly classification and the migration habits of the monarch butterfly.

The program cost is $18 per Scout, and girls may attend as individuals with their guardians or with a troop. For more information and pricing for adults, please call Amber Hodges, 352-273-2062 or visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/calendar/grid/girl-scouts-explore.

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Writer: Maria Espinoza, emari@ufl.edu
Source: Amber Hodges, 352-273-2062, ahodges@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu