Cathy Miller’s People Pic of the Week highlights Leala and Tomás Gonzales, from Franklin Township, seen here strolling through the Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden, located at Memorial School, 300 West Stewart Street, Washington Borough. Both Leala and Tomás have been deeply involved with the garden since its beginning 20 years ago. Leala was a member of the Founding Committee and Tomás, who designed the garden, is still the Project Manager.

This national, award-winning community garden is a certified Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat & Butterfly Garden. It demonstrates the importance of native plants to wildlife with an emphasis on those plants especially needed by butterflies and their caterpillars. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the garden any time, however there are many special events coming up in the next few months.

For 15 years the garden has hosted the annual Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Memorial Butterfly Release Celebration, an event that honors life and loved ones. This year the memorial will be held on Saturday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m. It will feature a native plant sale, music, guest speakers, reading of names, release of butterflies, refreshments and walks in the garden.

On Saturday, July 28 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. the garden’s yearly butterfly hunt and count will be held. Known as “NABA Day,” members of the North American Butterfly Association will be on hand to help identify and record the many varieties of butterflies found in the garden. Come anytime during the event, even plan a picnic on the lawn! The rain date is the following day.

Volunteers of all ages are invited to Community Gardening Nights, held throughout the summer on Mondays from June 4-August 27. Sessions begin between 6:30 and 7 p.m. and last about an hour. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to spend time together while experiencing the rewards of gardening and learning about the plants and animals who have made their home at the Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden.

Cathy Miller, an award-winning photographer who has been capturing the faces of Warren County for many years, has had her work appear in numerous publications, local, statewide, and beyond.