When snow filled winter stretches late into the season , spring fever is in full swing for one small Michigan town. Midland, Michigan’s annual “Butterflies in Bloom” event at Dow Gardens gives residents a chance to escape the brisk cold and enjoy a 85 to 95 degree oasis in their own back yard. Thousands of butterflies arrive from all over the world to take flight in the garden’s butterfly house and entertain up to 1,000 visitors daily.
For some the event isn’t just an escape from winter- but an opportunity to volunteer for their community. Two volunteers are featured in this video. Beth Bellor, a butterfly care specialist, takes care of the butterfly’s environment by keeping the humidity up, pinning the chrysalises to the box, and removing butterflies from the box when ready. Bob Hartley has volunteered as the doorman for five years. His main job is keeping the butterflies in while letting the guests out, but he’s also a smiling face that makes every guest of all ages feel welcome and excited to experience the wings.
The event will be open to the public from now until April 20, 2014.
Kaiti Grant 