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Buttonwood Park ZooLetterAugust 2010
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In This Issue
Toe Jam Super Summer Send-Off!
Gardening for Wildlife
Invasive Species Update
Aquatic Touch Tank
Weekly Favorites
Hours and Information
Buttonwood Park Zoo is open every day (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) from 10:00am - 5:00pm. Gates close at 4:30pm.
Buttonwood Park Zoo logo
Admission Fees
 Adult:$6.00
Senior:$4.50
Teen:$4.50
Child 3-12: $3.00
Child under 3: Free
 
 Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more with advance registration. 
 Call (508) 991-6178 for more information. 
 
  Free Parking.
 
Summer 2010
All rides are weather permitting. 
Train Rides: $2/ride
 Pony Rides: $3/ride
 Pony Pictures: $2/picture
Carousel Rides: $2/ticket  
Happy Anniversary!   
 
August marks the 10th anniversary of the Zoo's reopening.  We're looking to hear your favorite Buttonwood Park Zoo story. To share your story, please click here.  The Zoo also has two new additions to the Zoo: the Wildlife Carousel and an Aquatic Touch Tank that will open later this month.   
 
COMING SOON:
Zoo will feature a new Aquatic Touch Tank this August.  Read below to find out more about the Touch Tank.
Wildlife Carousel  
NOW OPEN: Ride your favorite animal on the Wildlife Carousel from 10AM-4:30PM, weather permitting. Tickets to ride the carousel are $2. 
 
 
Toe Jam Super Summer Send-Off! 
Saturday, August 28                       
6-8:00PM (doors open at 5:00PM)
Cost: $5 per child (ages 1-14)
Children under 1 are free; Children over 14 and adults are free.
 
Celebrate the end of summer with the Toe Jam Puppet Band!  Bring blankets or lawn chairs and come sing, dance, and play the evening away on the Elephant Lawn.  There will be prizes and giveaways, the train and carousel will be running, and our caf� and gift store will be open. Call the Bears Den Caf� at (508)991-4556 x 16 to pre-order a pizza dinner or purchase food and snacks during the event.  
 
Please Note: the Toe Jam Super Summer Send-Off will be held rain or shine.
 
Butterfly GardenGardening for Wildlife
Saturday, August 14 at 1:00PM
Cost: Free with zoo admission
 
Did you know that parts of Buttonwood Park Zoo are Certified Wildlife Habitat? Join Education Curator Gail Janeczek to learn about how the zoo develops habitat for insects, birds and all living things. Take home tips and tricks for starting a wildlife haven in your own yard. If we get lucky, we may even find some baby butterflies! This program is suitable for adults and children ages 6 and older.
Invasive Species Update
Thursday, August 12  at 6:30PM
Cost: Free
 
Invading Aliens!  Alarming but true: Aliens are spreading throughout the region, outcompeting the natives and destroying the landscape. What can be done? Can anyone save us?

Join us at 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 12th at the Buttonwood Park Zoo for the Invasive Species Update. Alexandra Echandi, Forestry Assistant for the Department of Conservation and Recreation, will speak about the invasive plants and animals that are on the move in our state. We'll learn the characteristics and habits of some of the more common species. Sarah Porter, New Bedford's conservation agent, will provide samples of some foreign species found in and around the New Bedford area.   Jenn Forman Orth from MDAR will also be talking at the Invasive Species Update.
 
During the talk, special attention will be given to the Asian longhorn beetle. This large attractive insect, originally from China, has been documented in two areas of the state, Worcester county and Boston. The female of the species tunnels into hardwood trees to lay eggs. The developing larvae eat their way out, causing extensive damage. Be part of the solution by learning the field signs. When you are out of doors, look for the telltale sawdust piles and exit holes the diameter of a pencil. If you see a suspected Asian longhorn beetle, you should capture the insect in a lidded jar and contact you city or town conservation agent.

This talk is free of charge and recommended for anyone who utilizes the outdoors, such as gardeners, bird watchers, hunters, hikers and fishermen.  This is suitable for families with older children (12+) and will be of particular interest to hunters, fishermen, bird watchers, dog walkers and anyone else who enjoys the natural areas of our region. 
Aquatic Touch TankNew! Aquatic Touch Tank
Starting the week of August 22
Cost: Free with zoo admission 

 
Ever wonder what a hermit crab feels like? Visit our new Touch Tank in the Aquatics Building starting August 22.  The Touch Tank will feature animals such as spider crabs, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, hermit crabs, sea urchins, rock crabs and skate eggs.  Courtesy of a grant from the Bristol County Savings Bank Foundation.
 

Weekly Favorites at the Zoo 

 Join us each week for some zoo fun!
 
Toe Jam Puppet Band

Every Monday at 10:30AM and 12:30PM

Cost: Zoo admission + $5/family

 

Sing, dance and play the hour away with the famous Toe Jam Puppet Band! 

Buttonwood Farm 

Toddler Tales

Every Thursday at 10:30AM

Cost: Free with zoo admission

 

Enjoy a zooper fun story time at the Zoo! Toddler Tales is free with zoo admission and includes a snack and a craft/activity. Recommended for ages 3 - 5.

 

Family Friendly Fridays
Every Friday thru Labor Day              All Day
 
Cost: Free with zoo admission
 
Each Friday will feature a NEW and FUN activity sheet for your family as you spend a pleasant visit at the Zoo. 

Contact Info 
Buttonwood Park Zoological Society
(508) 991-4556
www.bpzoo.org 
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