A celebration of the colorful native pollinator, the butterfly, will take place Saturday, August 9 at the Watershed Reserve in Hopewell. The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association’s 14th Annual Butterfly Festival is an opportunity to learn about protecting clean water and the environment.

“We hope to change behaviors and create protections for our natural resources for the next generation,” said Jim Waltman, Watershed Association Executive Director. “The Butterfly Festival is a fun, hands-on way of demonstrating innovative technologies which will be employed in our new environmental center opening this December. These technologies will allow us to save energy, water and the environment.”

Attendees can explore four family-friendly “Enviro-Zones” which teach children and families how they can make a difference for clean water and a healthy environment. Participants can work as a team or individual to answer four kid-friendly questions, get a passport stamp in each zone, and receive a prize. New this year is a Facebook scavenger hunt, where attendees will receive clues on the organization’s Facebook page to the location of items hidden throughout the festival area.

Children can also take part in the Butterfly & Bug Costume Parade. Sign up at the festival’s Membership booth upon entry. The parade will begin at the Main Stage at 12:30 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. Music will be performed by Miss Amy, a musical fitness entertainer who encourages families to engage in physical activity. The Dadz, a rock ‘n roll band playing a diversity of music that spans the 1950’s to the current era will perform in the afternoon. There will also be hay rides, an insect zoo and safari, and local food and artisans.

Raffle tickets will be on sale for the chance to win a five-night cruise for two aboard the historic Maine schooner, J&E Riggin.  A 50/50 draw will also take place during the Festival, and cash tickets will be sold throughout the day.  All proceeds benefit the Watershed Association and help protect clean water and the environment.

Shuttle parking for the Butterfly Festival is provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb across the street from the Watershed Reserve (access from Titus Mill Road).  Admission to the Festival is $10 per person or $25 per carload. For discounts, please register online at www.thewatershed.org.  No smoking or pets are permitted at the festival. Call (609) 737-3735 for handicapped access and service animal permission. Visit www.thewatershed.org to learn more about the festival.