The Little River Wetlands Project will present their Monarch Festival from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, in conjunction with Visit Fort Wayne’s Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown. 

Taking place at Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve on Engle Road, the family-friendly Monarch Festival celebrates the annual migration of monarch butterflies to Mexico. 

The monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do. Unlike other butterflies that can overwinter as larvae, pupae, or even as adults in some species, monarchs cannot survive the cold winters of northern climates. 

Using environmental cues, the monarchs know when it is time to travel south for the winter. 

A variety of engaging programs and activities available during the event include live monarch displays, butterfly tagging, educational presentations, guided hikes, and a plant giveaway.