Event: Annual Butterfly Fest at the VIC

Date: Saturday August 30th 11am-2pm

Location: Paul Smith’s College VIC

Address: 8023 State Route 86, Paul Smith’s, NY 12973

Join us on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend ( August 30th 2025) from 11am-2pm for Butterfly Festival at the VIC to celebrate our native butterflies and moths! This year's festival is in partnership with the Village of Saranac Lake to recognize the importance of pollinator habitat between communities and we can continue to support pollinator species, especially those that migrate to be successful in their reproduction and journeys! This is particularly important for the Monarch Butterfly!

In 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature added the migratory monarch butterfly, known for their flight to California and Mexico during the winter, to their “Red List,” a compilation of animals that they deem endangered. The native populations of this butterfly have shrunk by at least 22% in the past decade, due to numerous factors, including deforestation, pesticides, and climate change. Pesticides and herbicides used in large-scale agriculture kill butterflies and milkweed, the plant that adults and larvae feed, and are dependent, on. Drought, wildfires, and extreme weather and temperatures caused by climate change damage and kill many monarchs as well.

We are excited to continue our work with Monarch Watch, a community science project focused on conservation of the Monarch Butterfly. During the festival you will be able to participate in Monarch Tagging and learn how you can support Monarchs and other pollinators in your community!

This event is a family-friendly festival and free to the public! We are excited to see you there!