Welcome to the world of caterpillars! The Caterpillar Lab provides the opportunity for visitors to follow the ever-changing lives of these wondrous creatures. The Lab’s professional education staff can teach you about caterpillar biology and help you safely touch (and maybe even hold!) a caterpillar. Participants will witness the enormous diversity of native caterpillars as they explore the multitude of sizes, colors and forms displayed in this exhibit. Behold the process of metamorphosis in real time, explore microscopic stories of hidden insect lives within leaves, and discuss the nested ecological connections between caterpillars, their host plants, their predators and parasitoids. Stop by to chat about gardening for native pollinators, meet a big, bubbly caterpillar, discuss ongoing ecology research, or just marvel at the magic of the natural world! Installed concurrent with “The Lost Birds Project” exhibition and outdoor sculptures, the Lab promotes the importance of birds and caterpillars, encouraging visitors to support our host environment. Free with Garden Admission, Aug. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m., Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m., Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m.

We also have two evening programs:

• Sign up for Caterpillar Lab: Caterpillar Walk on Friday, Aug. 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

• Sign up for Caterpillar Lab Moth Lighting on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 to 11 p.m.