Clubs
Summer Nature Clubs are family activities that are perfect for exploring the butterflies and honey bees in our own backyards. Our take-home kits are supported with online updates and supplemental information to bring the nature club together virtually. The in-person Family Beekeeping Club meets at our Western Springs hives.
TO REGISTER, TEXT LORI @ (708) 601-1080
Native Illinois Butterfly Rearing Club
We raise monarchs, black swallowtails buckeyes, painted ladies and giant swallowtails at Salt Creek Butterfly Farm. Our most popular growing kits are monarchs and black swallowtails. Using live host plants, participants watch the development of two caterpillars from the size of an eyelash to the chrysalis stage. The chrysalis stage is a quiet resting time while the caterpillar transforms into a magnificent native Illinois butterfly. The full size butterflies are released from their professional netted growing container into the wild with a wish or good intention. The potted plant feeds your caterpillars throughout the caterpillar stage, It can be planted in your garden after the experience. The entire lifecycle process from caterpillar to adult is approximately one month
$165 for kit and educational materials $50 for refills and second species
Family Bee Keeping Club
This is our favorite club!!
Family Bee Club is a once in a lifetime experience to see what goes on in the life of a honey bee hive. This low key experience starts with a private hive tour at my Western Springs home, and concludes with harvest day where participants collect a pound of honey directly from the hive as well as experience the crush and harvest method. The club votes on names for the hive Queen and receives regular updates on the progress of the hive throughout the summer. This is truly a unique experience families love. A great photo opportunity. Call to reserve your private hive tour.
$225
Luna Love Club
These sublime Giant Silk Moths exist in the treetops of our own backyards yet we rarely see them. This club provides participants with three Luna Moth Cocoons in a professional netted butterfly raising container. The highlight is the emergence of the elegant, lime green beauties which you release into the wild with a wish or good intention. These beauties are otherworldly and a remarkable surprise to witness.
$90
TO REGISTER, TEXT LORI @ (708) 601-1080
