A monarch caterpillar. [Photo by Joshua Cotten]
Okeeheelee Nature Center is hosting its “Caterpillar Crawl & Craft” on Sept. 30. Participants search for caterpillars in the pollinator garden and learn about their eating habits. The crafts come after the crawl.
What: Caterpillar Crawl & Craft
When: Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Okeeheelee Nature Center at Okeeheelee Park
Address: 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., west of West Palm Beach
Who: Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
Website: discover.pbcgov.org
Caterpillars play a vital role in ecosystems. They are primary consumers that process plant materials and are an essential food source for other insects, birds and mammals.
Located in the north end of Okeeheelee Park, Okeeheelee Nature Center features 2.5 miles of winding trails through 90 acres of flatwoods and wetlands, in addition to hands-on exhibits, animal encounters and a gift shop. The trails offer a deer overlook, marsh-viewing blinds, a butterfly garden and bird feeders.
Okeeheelee Nature Center’s exhibits focus on three Palm Beach County ecosystems: freshwater, coastal and upland pine flatwoods.
Okeeheelee Park offers winding trails, ponds and a dog park. Nonmotorized boats are welcome. The park also has a BMX track and areas for horse riding. Bicycles and boats can be rented.
