We had a great time with Brian and Wendy Stoner and their collection of awesome bugs! We had about 12 kids come out with their parents, and we got to touch and hold all kinds of insects. We also learned about scavengers and predators, and about the good things insects do for us. There was a tarantula, a giant millipede, and walking sticks galore! And we can't forget about those Madagascar hissing cockroaches. I got to hear one hissing- it was creepy! After that we all went outside to feed the ducks and chickens and had a great time. Hope you will join us next time for Kalapuya Harvest Playshop, on October 18th.

Oh no! The millipede got scared and peed on this boy!

Go to our photo gallery to see more pictures.

Hi all, don't miss the bug safari day this Sunday at 2pm. We are excited to host Brian and Wendy Stoner, and their unbelievable pets! These are some of the coolest creatures you will ever see. Did you know that insects make up over half of the living species on earth? That means there are more of them than any other kind of animal. I hope to see you on Sunday- don't forget to bring a liability release form from our web site and call me to pre-register at 683-8271. 

Hi all, I know this isn't necessarily related to the museum, but I got a chance while on a campout with the spiralscouts this weekend to go to a really cool place! It was the White Wolf Sanctuary, and they only have Arctic wolves. Check out www.whitewolfsanctuary.org. We got to pet them through the fence. It was expensive to go, but worth it! I loved their beautiful gold eyes, and their wildness. The best part was the way they all howled when we got out of our cars in the parking area, and again when we left. I had never heard that sound in person before and it stirred something primal deep inside me. Here are some pictures:

I am now the proud mommy of 5 monarch caterpillars! Well, okay, so I'm not technically their mommy, but I AM their caretaker. I have them in two big gallon jars with milkweed plants and netting over the top. They are eating and resting and pooping continuously. I hope they will make it to chrysalis stage and then emerge as butterflies! I am getting help from some pro- monarch raisers, like Linnea, and John with the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Here are some pictures that Linnea shared with me of her successful butterfly raising. I hope to do as well. Jade and I will have to release them out at the farm!

new arrival

Larva on milkweed

male butterfly

black chrysalis before emerging