Butterfly Observatory

Total Time Needed:: 1 Hour

August marks the beginning of the fall migration for many butterfly species, including monarchs. Your family can host one and watch it up close for a couple of days with this homemade enclosure.

Materials

1 1/2 yards of 48-inch-wide tulle netting
2 rubber bands
2 large, disposable plates
Stapler
Small branch

Ribbon
New plastic pot scrubber
Small disposable bowl
Sugar water (1/4 cup sugar to 1 1/4 cups water)
Butterfly net

Instructions

Fold the netting into thirds.
Tightly wrap a rubber band around the fabric about 6 inches from the top and bottom. Slip the plates inside of the netting, slide one to each end, and hold them in place by stapling the netting to the rims.
Set a branch inside for a perch, and use ribbon to hang and adorn your observatory.
Use a net to catch a butterfly, and carefully slip it through the overlapping net door. Put the pot scrubber in a bowl, fill the bowl halfway with sugar water, and set it on the bottom plate for food. Be sure to release the butterfly after no more than two days so that it can continue its migration.