Where can you see more than 20 species of native New Jersey butterflies and learn how to project clean water and the environment? At the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association’s new Butterfly Festival & Green Fair, to be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Watershed Reserve in Hopewell Township. The Butterfly Festival & Green Fair combines a family-oriented celebration of all things butterfly with a “know-how” packed showcase of green vendors and technologies.

“Protecting our water and environment is more than just a mission statement here at the Watershed Association,” said Executive Director Jim Waltman. “It’s about making sure we all have clean water to drink, clean air to breathe and healthy soil in which to grow our food. To make this happen, we need to team up with everyone in our community to make a difference. That’s what this year’s Butterfly Festival & Green Fair is all about–giving everyone, from homeowners to businesses, the tools we need to live ‘greener’ and protect our water and environment.”

Attendees can explore four family-friendly “Enviro-Zones” anchored by hands-on Watershed Association activities, such as Butterfly House tours guided by teacher naturalists at the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House in the Education Zone or learning about the Millstone River dam removal at the Science Zone.

Participants are also encouraged to “Take a Closer Look at Your Watershed” by using their Butterfly Festival Passport (available at Admission) to visit each of the “Enviro-Zones” and discover the ways in which the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association educates in our community, acts as an example by practices used on the Reserve, advocates to others about better ways to preserve and protect our environment and researches the health of water in our community.

“Individual action is the key to protecting clean water and the environment in our region,” Waltman said. “From picking up after your pet and recycling, to using phosphate-free fertilizers and properly maintaining your septic system, every little bit helps. We look forward to a day when all our work is done, but until then it's up to us working together to control pollution, conserve wildlife and ensure future generations have plenty of clean water to enjoy.”

This year’s Butterfly Festival & Green Fair we will feature special guest Rick Mikula, “That Butterfly Guy.” He will be conducting two Butterfly presentations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will also be hayrides, insect safaris, local food and live music. Children and families can also take part in a Butterfly Hat & Costume Parade. Sign up at the festival’s membership booth between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The parade will begin at the Main Stage at 12:45 p.m.

Parking for the Butterfly Festival is generously provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Admission to the festival is $5 per person or $15 per carload. Anyone who signs up for a Watershed Association Family Membership, a $50 value, at the festival will get into the festival for free. No smoking (due to the dry weather conditions) or pets are permitted at the festival. Those who arrive with pets will not be admitted to the festival. Call (609) 737-3735 for handicapped access and service animal permission. Visit www.thewatershed.org to learn more about the festival.