It all began in 1998. After visiting the butterfly exhibit at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, WA; The Butterfly Lady was born. Intrigued by the idea of butterfly farming, I began researching the Monarch Butterfly, which has always been my favorite and one of the more popular butterflies to grace my childhood memories growing up in Rhode Island. I was shocked and horrified to learn of their struggle to co-exist with us. Increased development, (resulting in destruction of the host plant milkweed necessary for the caterpillar stage of development) & wide-spread use of commercial pesticides and devastation of their precious overwintering areas has left this species declining in numbers for years. There are simply fewer and fewer of these beauties each and every season.

I decided that although I can't save them alone, I would sure try to make it easy & fun to help. And so, I created the Monarch Butterfly Adoption Program.

This Non-Profit organization provides an educational and unforgettable experience for those that participate by adopting a pupae.

CLICK HERE to Adopt a Monarch Butterfly

When you adopt a butterfly, you receive 1 monarch pupae suspended inside a glass "hatchery", a 30 paged booklet describing the monarch lifecycle, migration patterns and tips on how to invite butterflies into your garden, as well as how to feed your newly emerged butterfly before releasing in into the great outdoors. It was a huge success. The experience not only teaches young and old little known facts about the Monarchs, (did you know butterflies taste with their feet?) but provides each of us the opportunity to take action & give a little back in a world that can seem overwhelmed with environmental issues that are quite often out of our control.

I quickly learned that if I built it, they would come.

And so, for the last several years I have been studying and planning for the Monarch Atrium, debuting September, 2010. This will be a portable greenhouse filled with the monarchs' favorite flowers in bloom, as well as milkweed plants, and in the very heart of it, a "tree of life" where over 200 pupae will be suspended and emerge to enjoy their private sanctuary for a few days before the release ceremony in which they are blessed & set free. I will also run the Monarch Adoption Program, so each and every guest will have the opportunity to bring the experience home to share.

We have been granted permission to land in Sedona, AZ!
Beginning September 25th 2010, thru October 10th 2010

The Butterfly Dome will be open to all those who wish to visit
the flock at the Saddle Rock Antique Store...
(Across From New Frontiers on Saddle Rock Loop)

We will be located across the street from New Frontiers on 89a. The dome is a 31' X 16' high round greenhouse that will not be easy to overlook. Admission is only $5.00 and everyone is welcome to linger as long as they like & watch the emerging flock as they embrace their new lives as butterflies. I will also have 200 pupae available to adopt, and a gift shop with handmade butterfly art.

I am actively seeking artists that might have a few/many pieces of Butterfly Art that might like to consign their work in the gift shop for the 16 day opening. All mediums welcome- jewelry, paintings sculpture, stained glass- if it is handmade and beautiful butterflies, contact me & lets talk! Of course, I am partial to Monarchs, but any winged butterfly beauty will be happily & artfully displayed for all to enjoy, and potentially purchase.

We look forward to seeing you in Sedona Arizona this Autumn!

Audrey Stephens
The Butterfly Lady
Audrey The Butterfly Lady
www.TheButterflyLady.com
Audrey@TheButterflyLady.com