New Transparent Clearwing Butterfly Introduced in 2007 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Foremost's Butterflies are Blooming: The Nation's Largest Temporary Tropical Butterfly Exhibit

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. 2007 –Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a leading Midwest cultural destination, has made a wonderful new addition to the annual exhibit Foremost’s Butterflies are Blooming, the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the United States. The Costa Rican Clearwing, an elusive, transparent butterfly has been added to the exhibit this year to mingle with the numerous other species which will be fluttering about the Lena Meijer Conservatory. The exhibit officially opens March 1, 2007 and runs through April 30, 2007.

Every year, thousands of butterflies and dozens of species, from Asia and South and Central America emerge from chrysalises and gracefully flutter around the tropical magnificence of the 15,000 square foot Lena Meijer Conservatory. This year the addition of the Costa Rican Clear Wing will simply add to the excitement of the exhibit.

“After experimenting with the Costa Rican Clearwing in 2006, we have found that they will co-mingle nicely with the many other species,” said Lucinda Grover, Conservatory Curator at Meijer Gardens. “Guests also found the addition interesting and eye catching. It was fun to watch the little ones seek them out in the depths of the tropical foliage – as they blend in with their surroundings quite well.”

Foremost’s Butterflies are Blooming 2007 brings to life the unique sensation that visitors feel when they encounter the beauty and mystery of nature–most importantly, the profundity of butterflies, which capture the hearts and minds of the young and old alike, and inspire personal reflection.

Foremost’s Butterflies are Blooming is the premier temporary tropical butterfly showcase in the country, with more than 50 species featured during the nine-week exhibit. New butterflies are delivered each week and Meijer Gardens receives approximately 800 chrysalises in each shipment.

Foremost Insurance Group, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a member of the Farmer’s Insurance Group of Companies, has sponsored Foremost’s Butterflies are Blooming since 1998.

“For more than 50 years Foremost has been an active contributor to the Grand Rapids community,” said John T. Kalinka, marketing communications director at Foremost Insurance Group. “We are delighted to sponsor this educational, family-friendly exhibit and encourage everyone to try and find the new Clearwing butterfly.”

Exhibit Activities

Flashlight Tuesday Nights
Meijer Gardens is now open every Tuesday evening until 9:00 PM. All guests will have the opportunity to search for sleeping butterflies in the Lena Meijer Conservatory. Visitors should bring along their best flashlight to guide their way through the conservatory in the dark. Starting at 5:00 PM—just look for the colorful sparkle resting on the leaves.

2007 Foremost’s Butterflies are Blooming Highlights
• Introduction of the new Costa Rican Clearwing species
• Interactive educational displays throughout the exhibit
• Lena Meijer Children’s Garden butterfly activities and labyrinth
• Deliciously warm, moist weather everyday

Tuesday Evenings
• Flashlight Nights: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
• Butterfly Art Projects: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
• Flutter appearances: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Saturdays and Sundays
• Flutter appearances: Noon – 3:00 PM

Exhibits are free with admission to Meijer Gardens. Hours are Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Monday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Tuesday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Wednesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; unless otherwise noted.

Admission Prices
Adults $12
Seniors (65+) $9
Students $9
Children 5-13 $6
Children 3-4 $4
Children 2 and under Free

*Images are available upon request

About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

The 125-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, which currently serves more than 600,000 visitors annually, features Michigan's largest tropical conservatory; the nation's most comprehensive carnivorous plant house; one of the largest children’s gardens in the country; arid and Victorian gardens; outdoor gardens; the Sculpture Park, providing the Midwest's most comprehensive sculpture experience with internationally-acclaimed works by Rodin, Moore, di Suvero, Goldsworthy and others, celebrates it’s 5th anniversary in May 2007; indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions, as well as a 1600-seat outdoor amphitheater, featuring world-renowned musicians every summer, café and gift shop. For additional information, please visit www.meijergardens.org or www.foremostbutterflies.com

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