What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in April
Easter in the Garden
Friday, April 6, 10 am – 3 pm
Hop on down to the Botanical Conservatory with your children and a camera to meet the Easter Bunny. Enjoy our Butterflies of Malaysia exhibit, play games for prizes, make crafts, pot a plant, and enjoy light refreshments. From10:30 am-2:30 pm, look for Easter eggs in our annual Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers through elementary ages. Enter our drawing for a chance to win a “sweet” Easter basket. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call(260)427-6440. Sponsored by WAJI MAJIC 95.1 FM.
$1 Night
April 5, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday of the month we offer $1 admissions,5-8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. Enjoy our evening hours and a special discount once a month. For more info, call(260)427-6440.
Slightly Used Bulb Sale
Tuesday, April 10, 10 am-5 pm
This annual sale features “slightly used” spring flowers such as tulips, daffodils and grape hyacinths that have come out of the Conservatory’s “Down on the Fisher-Price Farm” Exhibit.Saleis held outdoors on the Terrace; enter through Conservatory main entrance at Jefferson and Calhoun Streets. Reasonable prices, ready to plant. No reservations or admission fee. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Thursday Evening Programs: Classic Kefir
Thursday, April 12, 6:30 -7:30 pm
Kefir is one of the oldest beverages in the world, mentioned by Marco Polo in his descriptions of his travels. Now you can try this classic drink for yourself. Local fermented foods expert Lori Foltz will demonstrate how to make kefir out of various milks, waters, and juices. She will also offer samples and recipes for kefir cheese dips, lemon popsicles, smoothies, ice cream, and more, as well as leading an informal discussion of the many health benefits associated with kefir. At the end of the program, she will provide kefir grains to all participants so you can make your own at home. Registration deadline: April 6. Ages 14+. Min.10. Max. 20. $7/public; $4/Conservatory member or volunteer. Refer to Code #227023-R1 when registering by phone at (260) 427-6011 or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Butterflies of Malaysia Exhibit
April 14 – July 8
Enter a world of wonder as you immerse yourself in a live exhibit teeming with hundreds of butterflies. Bred specifically for exhibit, these delicate creatures demonstrate the exotic beauty and resilience ofMalaysiaand neighboringThailandandIndonesia, where the tropical lowland ecosystem is in conflict with economic development. Depending on availability, we will present the large birdwing butterfly as well as many smaller Asian species. Special protocols require that we keep the butterflies inside our exhibit tent, so volunteers will help you enter and exit. Admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. During the first week of the exhibit, we offer $1 off admissions while the first chrysalids hatch and we build the population. For more information, call (260) 427-6440. Sponsored by 97.3 WMEE.
Botanical Brown Bag – Pressed Papercraft
Thursday, April 26, 12 – 1 pm
Would you believe art can be made with just a few tissues and a damp sponge? With these basic supplies and a variety of cookie and candy molds, you can make beautiful three-dimensional art to treasure for years. Conservatory volunteerKay Musgravewill guide you through the process as you create your first pieces, then share ideas and techniques for more advanced projects and display methods. You can bring a sandwich; free coffee and tea available. Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Conservatory members and volunteers admitted free. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Photographing Blooms & Butterflies workshop
Saturday, April 28, 9:30 am - 12 pm
Grab your camera and warm up your shutter finger – it’s time to take some pictures! Join Bob Goinesfrom Sunny Schick Camera as he shares the secrets of taking stunning photographs of nature. The class will then head out to the Conservatory’s new Butterflies of Malaysia exhibit for individual practice time. Afterwards, we’ll regroup to review a few pictures and learn how to use computer processing to bring out the best in your photos. You will need to bring your own digital still camera with a removable memory card and fully charged battery (no cell phone cameras or video cameras, please). All skill levels are welcome. Registration deadline: April 20. Ages 12+. Min. 6. Max. 25. $19/public; $16/Conservatory member. Refer to Code #227024-R1 when registering by phone at (260) 427-6011 or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Drop-In Yoga in the Garden
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
The practice of yoga is a wonderful way to build strength and flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance general well-being. Sample a variety of yoga styles tailored to fit the group’s ability level. Classes are led by certified yoga instructor Lanah K. Hake. Blankets and mats are available but bring your own if you have them. For more information, follow Fort Wayne Outdoor Yoga on Facebook, or check the instructor’s website at www.lanahlink.com. Ages 15+. $7 per class for the public; $5 for a Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit the instructor’s Facebook page at Ft Wayne Outdoor Yoga. Held in the garden at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Drop-In Zumba in the Garden
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
When participants see a Zumba class in action, they can’t wait to give it a try. Led by licensed instructor Hillary Halsema, our Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students. Ages 15+. $7 per class for the public; $5 for a Conservatory member or volunteer. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Down on the Fisher-Price Farm Exhibit
Through April 8
Bring the little ones down to the Conservatory this winter for a fun time on the farm, where children can play at gathering eggs, milking the cow, churning butter, making pies, hanging the wash, and tending the garden. Reminiscent of the old Fisher-Price farm set, the old red barn and 1954 Farmall tractor are the centerpieces of the exhibit. Mom and Dad will enjoy coming in out of the cold for the smell of fresh earth and a view of growing plants. Don’t miss our special Family Farm event on Saturday, February 4. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM, WLDE Fun 101.7 FM, and Orthopedic Precision Instruments in Albion, Indiana. For more info, visit www.botanicalconservatory.org or call (260) 427-6440. Admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under.
