Following conservatory renovations

Andrew Mullin, Midland Daily News

March 3, 2023

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterfly in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Butterflies flutter about on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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Dow Gardens employees prepare the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit on March 2, 2023 in the Dow Gardens Conservatory.

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The Dow Gardens Conservatory sits on March 2, 2023 in Midland.

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After finishing renovations on its conservatory last year, Dow Gardens is bringing butterflies back to the building.

On Friday, March 3, Dow Gardens opens Butterflies in Blooms to the public. The exhibit will be open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, with reservations required, until April 16.

The exhibit shows many colorful butterflies, a large percentage of which are native to tropical regions of the planet. This requires a very specific micro climate, with the conservatory updates optimized for the experience of both butterflies and guests, said Marketing Manager Kristen Inman.

For instance, a new HVAC system aims to deliver precise humidity and temperature control. The low-e double-pane class helps insulate the exhibit space, and a new viewing window gives visitors a glimpse of the butterflies emerging from chrysalis form, Inman said.

To help protect the butterflies, Inman said guests should be mindful of their feet as the butterflies often rest on the floor, and should refrain from touching the butterflies’ wings. Trained volunteers will be there to show patrons how to safely coax a butterfly onto their fingertips. 

Andrew Mullin is a reporter for the Midland Daily News.

Originally Appeared Here