Get ready to celebrate the wonders of nature at Smith-Gilbert Gardens during the highly anticipated Pollinator Palooza! On Saturday, June 1, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the City of Kennesaw’s Botanical Gardens will host a day filled with fun, education, and community engagement centered around pollinator conservation. This event offers something for everyone, making it the perfect family outing.
Event Highlights
- Sneak Peek at A Garden with Wings Butterfly Exhibit: For the first time, visitors can enjoy a preview of the annual Butterfly Exhibit without needing an additional ticket. Typically, entry to the Butterfly House costs $3 on top of general admission, but during Pollinator Palooza, you can explore this magical space as part of the event festivities. Remember, no strollers, wagons, or walkers are allowed inside the exhibit, so plan accordingly.
- Booths and Activities: The event will feature various booths, arts and crafts, and community partners dedicated to pollinator conservation. From live music and artistic displays, including pottery and paintings, to engaging kids' crafts, there’s something to captivate every age group.
- Meet the Experts: Volunteers, known as Butterfly Ambassadors, will be on hand to share their extensive knowledge about the life cycle of butterflies and their habitats. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures and their role in our ecosystem.
Vendors at Pollinator Palooza
- Georgia Bat Working Group: Learn about the crucial role bats play in pollinating crops and spreading seeds. Discover ways to support bat conservation, such as building bat houses and planting native gardens. GA Bat Working Group @gabatworkinggroup
- Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: This international nonprofit focuses on protecting invertebrates and their habitats. Visit their booth for free publications, interactive learning activities, and kids' crafts. Xerces Society @xercessociety
- Food Well Alliance: Supporting community gardens across Metro Atlanta, this organization provides resources and support to local growers. Learn how pollinators are vital to urban agriculture. Food Well Alliance @foodwellalliance
- Birds Georgia: Formerly Georgia Audubon, this nonprofit promotes environments where birds and people thrive through conservation, education, and community engagement. Birds Georgia @birdsgeorgia
- Home Town Honey: Since 1992, Home Town Honey has been beekeeping and producing award-winning honey. Check out their booth for honey, beeswax candles, beauty products, and more. Home Town Honey @atlantashometownhoney
- Cobb County Master Gardeners: Volunteers trained by the University of Georgia share research-based horticultural information and educational programs. Visit their booth for seed packets and learn how to become a Master Gardener. Cobb County Master Gardeners @cobbmastergardeners
- Socially Chy: Chy Kellogg, an advocate for agriculture and the Pollinator Coordinator for the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, offers education and resources to help communities grow their own food. Socially Chy @sociallychy
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We’re excited to announce a giveaway for a family four-pack of admission to the Gardens and the Butterfly Exhibit. This is a fantastic way to introduce your kids to nature and learn about the importance of pollinators.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event that brings our community together to celebrate and learn about the vital role pollinators play in our environment. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Did you know that each butterfly in the exhibit costs the Gardens $10-12? You can support the exhibit by purchasing a butterfly for $10, $20, or any donation amount you choose. Your contribution helps cover the exhibit costs and fund future enhancements. Plus, you’ll receive a beautiful vinyl sticker to commemorate your support.
Upcoming Event: Music and Monarchs
If you enjoy Pollinator Palooza, mark your calendar for Music and Monarchs on Friday, June 28, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. This after-hours event features live music starting at 5:30 PM, food, and alcohol available for purchase. Bring your own chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening on the lawn surrounded by butterflies.
For more information and to stay updated on upcoming events, visit the Smith-Gilbert Gardens website and follow them on social media.
