Butterflies for a Wedding

[Mulberry Ridge]

I would like to give my kids a chance to raise butterflies to be released at a June wedding in Kansas. We have looked at websites where they could order the butterflies in envelopes to be released, but they're very expensive. The Monarch Watch Shop sells cute little kits, and we could get maybe 56 to 65 butterflies for about $95. $23 of that is shipping from New York. Is there any source in the midwest where we could go pick up caterpillars, or maybe get more & or cheaper without such a "cute kit"? We have plenty of milkweed, a great place to keep them, everything except the little critters. We would consider using other butterflies, tagging them, being part of any research that a group of 3 to 8 can do between now and June 8. If it becomes a large project, we have an organization of homeschoolers that will help out. (Physically, not financially)
And we're close to Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City, KS

Thanks

[Jim]

The Monarch Watch Shop sells cute little kits, and we could get maybe 56 to 65 butterflies for about $95. $23 of that is shipping from New York.

Actually, that's overnight shipping from right here in Lawrence Why don't you come see us at our Open House / Plant Fundraiser on May 13th and we'll see what we can work out:

www.monarchwatch.org/openhouse/

Hmmm...now that I see that you'll want adults on June 8th you'll need the cats before the 13th (you should still come to the Open House though) - why don't you send me an email at jlovett@ku.edu to discuss your options.