By LOUISA DANIELSON

For the Northwest News

“Throughout the year, people will come in and say, ‘Where are the butterflies?’ ” said Amanda Amstutz. Well get ready: the butterflies will be at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory from Tuesday, April 25, through Sunday, June 25.

“This is the first year that we’re identifying with the exhibit’s title, ‘Color in Motion,’ ” said Amstutz, who is the supervisor for programs and volunteers for Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. In years past, the Conservatory has used different display titles and it has become somewhat confusing. Now with the concrete title to match the exhibit, Amstutz said they hope guests will be better able to recognize the butterfly display every year.

The Foellinger-Freiman Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., is open Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Conservatory is closed Monday. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for ages 3-17, and free for ages 2 and under. From 5-8 p.m. Thursday, admission is $1. The Admission Desk validates tickets for free parking at the Civic Center Parking Garage at Calhoun Street and Jefferson Boulevard.

Another change this year is the opening day of the butterfly display. Most displays at the Conservatory open on a Saturday. But with butterflies, things are a little different. This time, the display will open on a Tuesday.

Butterflies are shipped to the Botanical Conservatory as chrysalids. Immediately upon receipt, staff carefully place the chrysalids into the hatching lab, which is climate controlled. However, by the regular Saturday opening date, only a few of the chrysalids have hatched and, Amstutz pointed out, “It’s not the same if it’s only five butterflies.”

To give the butterflies more time to hatch and spread their wings, the Conservatory decided to open the display a few days later. This should allow both butterflies and humans to have the best experience possible.

Many visitors pack in a lot of enjoyment from these few butterfly display months. “That’s when we see our highest visiting population,” Amstutz said. Both children’s groups and adult groups make an effort to visit the conservatory during this time.

The display, however, is heavily dependent on volunteer assistance and Amstutz would love to have more volunteers sign up to help out. (Training is given for how to handle the job.) These exotic butterflies are escape artists and Amstutz said it can be challenging on some weekends to make sure there are enough personnel ready to monitor the tents to prevent butterflies from escaping.

But, escapes aside, Amstutz said her favorite guest reactions happen when a family walks in and she just hears gasps of wonder. Although young children may be a little scared of the flying creatures at first, as they interact with the display that fear dissipates. And that’s what it’s all about: making something beautiful accessible for all visitors.

The Conservatory offers a Friday Night Flights fundraiser from 5:15-7:15 p.m. April 28. The cost is $70 per person or $125 per couple. The adults-only evening includes beer and wine flights and appetizers and the chance to meet German artist and landscape artist Ramon F. Miller.

Breakfast with Butterflies offers a visit with the exotic butterflies, a craft, and breakfast. All ages are welcome. Children must register in advance with an adult. The fee is $30. Register by May 29 for the June 4 session or by June 5 for the June 11 session.

Find more details and activities visit botanicalconservatory.org or call 260-427-6440.