The Association For Butterflies’ second symposium was a great success! Held in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains this past weekend, we drew participants from nine different states, including California, Texas, Michigan, and Florida and other east coast states.
This congenial group was treated to a variety of educational sessions throughout the weekend. On Friday a beginner’s course was held, which included the basics of raising butterflies. The participants were taught how to pack and ship butterflies, how to wash eggs, and what is necessary for a beginning butterfly farmer. That night a barbeque was held in the Grande Suite, which included delicious food from a local restaurant. We had the chance to get to know each other better and to put faces to names .
On Saturday, an extensive array of sessions included Common Milkweed, Plant Propagation, Marketing and Finance, Monarch Tagging, Greenhouse Management, Presentations For Profit and Thrip Control. Even though the weather was cool and rainy, many productive hours were spent inside learning more about how to increase sales in our businesses. That evening the attendees were on their own, dining at a restaurant of their choice.
Sunday brought us pleasant fall weather. A short morning worship service was offered for anyone who wished to attend. Additional informative sessions were held, including Raising Red Admirals, How to Set up Butterfly Exhibits, and Host Plants for the “Other Eight.” The AFB provided lunch and then it was time to say goodbye to our friends. We hope to see them again next year, along with others who missed this year’s symposium.
This congenial group was treated to a variety of educational sessions throughout the weekend. On Friday a beginner’s course was held, which included the basics of raising butterflies. The participants were taught how to pack and ship butterflies, how to wash eggs, and what is necessary for a beginning butterfly farmer. That night a barbeque was held in the Grande Suite, which included delicious food from a local restaurant. We had the chance to get to know each other better and to put faces to names .
On Saturday, an extensive array of sessions included Common Milkweed, Plant Propagation, Marketing and Finance, Monarch Tagging, Greenhouse Management, Presentations For Profit and Thrip Control. Even though the weather was cool and rainy, many productive hours were spent inside learning more about how to increase sales in our businesses. That evening the attendees were on their own, dining at a restaurant of their choice.
Sunday brought us pleasant fall weather. A short morning worship service was offered for anyone who wished to attend. Additional informative sessions were held, including Raising Red Admirals, How to Set up Butterfly Exhibits, and Host Plants for the “Other Eight.” The AFB provided lunch and then it was time to say goodbye to our friends. We hope to see them again next year, along with others who missed this year’s symposium.
