September 13^th is the “Butterfly Migration Festival” at Tommy Thompson Park

(TORONTO, September 2, 2009) – Each Fall, Monarch Butterflies assemble in huge numbers to begin their extraordinary annual migratory journey south.  Witness this natural phenomenon at the first ever “Butterfly Migration Festival” at Tommy Thompson Park on Sunday, September 13^th. Children, families and nature lovers alike can experience this spectacular sight at this hands-on conservation event sponsored by Toronto Region Conservation, Ontario Nature and OPG Biodiversity 2009.

WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 2009 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• 1:30-2:30 p.m. Monarch Butterfly Bus Tour (pending butterfly cooperation). Registration is required at ttp@trca.on.ca or by calling 416-661-6600 ext 5770. Please indicate how many people will attend.  Space is limited.

 WHAT: “Butterfly Migration Festival” 

• Guided walks through park meadows to view migratory butterflies
• Live Monarch Butterfly tagging demonstration by experts (weather permitting)
• Plant native wildflowers, distribute native seeds
• Learn how to grow a garden to attract and sustain butterflies
• View insect and butterfly displays – learn from expert entomologists
• See birds of prey presented by Wildlife Education & Environmental Education (WEEP), University of Guelph
• Nature crafts for children – make butterfly masks!

WHERE: Tommy Thompson Park, at the foot of Leslie Street, south of Lake Shore Boulevard East. Free parking is available at the TTP parking lot or on Unwin Avenue and Leslie Street. TTC directions: #83 Jones S. bus to Commissioner Street and Leslie Street. Or Queen Streetcar to Leslie Street stop.

NOTE: The Butterfly Shuttle Bus will run throughout the festival area, but bicycles and walking shoes are recommended.  Private vehicles and pets are not permitted in the park.

OPG Biodiversity 2009 is a series of province-wide conservation-focused, family-friendly action and education events sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in partnership with Ontario Nature, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Its goal is to get people involved in protecting and conserving biodiversity in our urban parklands and forest ecosystems. Biodiversity 2009 builds on OPG’s commitment to conserving, sustaining and protecting nature.

For further information on these and other upcoming events visit www.opgbiodiversity.ca.

OPG and Ontario Nature Are For the Birds – And All the Flora and Fauna of Ontario

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For event inquiries, please contact:

Victoria Foote, Ontario Nature
416.444.8419 ext. 238; victoriaf@ontarionature.org
www.ontarionature.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

OPG Media Desk:  416.592.4008 or 1.877.592.4008