Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center invites the public to celebrate Earth Day during its signature spring event, Eco-Fest and Butterfly Release. This day of family-friendly fun takes place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Butterfly releases are generously sponsored by Entergy. Admission and activities are free of charge.
Visitors of all ages can expect to enjoy environmentally friendly activities that provide unique learning connections to the natural world. Butterfly releases occur at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Each butterfly release allows families to engage with nature in the beautiful spring garden space, as children are given priority to release a butterfly. Free butterfly plants will also be available for guests to take home and attract pollinators to their own garden.
“Join us for a day of creativity, community, and commitment to a greener future as we celebrate Earth Day. We are thrilled to introduce a substantial number of essential pollinators into our garden space and simultaneously provide families with a memorable, interactive nature experience. We appreciate Entergy for supporting this endeavor through their generous sponsorship. By spotlighting sustainability and eco-friendly practices, we hope that children of all ages will be inspired to be kind to their world,” said Katie Krantz, associate director at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy supporting local artisans represented at the Eco-Fest vendor market. The vendor market comprises a variety of local organizations and small businesses that focus on handcrafted arts, eco-friendly products or sustainable services.
During Eco-Fest, Shangri La Gardens also offers 10 opportunities for visitors to enjoy an Outpost Tour. This unique excursion through the natural ecosystems of Adams Bayou provides an interpretation of the bayou and its associated habitats and wildlife. Outpost Tours offers visitors an immersive experience in the natural world to better understand the forces that shape the environment of the Gulf Coast region of Southeast Texas.
A Pet Food and Supply Drive will be held in conjunction with Eco-Fest. Visitors are encouraged to drop off pet food and supplies at the main garden entrance on April 26. All donations will benefit local animal shelters in West Orange, the City of Orange, and Pinehurst. Representatives from each shelter will be on-site to collect the donations and answer any pet questions.
“Pet food is one of the largest operational costs for animal shelters. As we remember to be kind to our world, let us share that kindness with our four-legged friends in need in our community. We hope to highlight our local animal shelters at Eco-Fest and their valuable services to our community,” said Marlene Cox, guest relations & events coordinator.
Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas. For more information, please visit shangrilagardens.org.
