Families flocked to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Slatington for its annual Migration Fest on Saturday, enjoying a day filled with nature education, wildlife encounters and hands-on activities celebrating the fall migration season.

The free, family-friendly event featured a variety of programs for all ages, including a family bird walk, insect safari, monarch butterfly tagging, a live bird presentation and an autumn migration nature walk.

Visitors also participated in crafts, scavenger hunts, coloring activities and butterfly netting while learning about the journeys of migratory birds and insects.

Educational exhibits highlighted bird and butterfly migration, birds of prey and local watersheds. Refreshments were available for a donation, and attendees could sample bird-friendly coffee while exploring the center’s grounds.

A highlight of the day was the tagging of two monarch butterflies as they began their migration south to Mexico. The nature center hopes to expand its research efforts next year by obtaining BluMorpho solar-powered radio trackers from the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center in New Jersey.

The devices would allow staff to follow the butterflies’ migration routes and monitor their stops along the way.

The center also showcased several monarch chrysalises and a newly emerged butterfly, with staff expressing hopes of tagging additional monarchs before they depart for Mexico.

Music for the event was provided by Joe Lazorik, whose performances have become a familiar feature at Lehigh Gap Nature Center programs.

Members of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center Art Club displayed and sold handcrafted creations inspired by nature. Among the artisans was Ellie Birchak, who offered reimagined and recreated pieces made from items found at yard sales and flea markets. Art club members incorporate natural themes into their work and enjoy giving discarded objects new life through art.

Wildlands Conservancy educator Syd Simitz shared a display of bird eggs, including that of a red-tailed hawk, and introduced several live birds of prey.

Visitors met Aurora, a vulture; Nittany, a red-tailed hawk; and Carson, a peregrine falcon. Simitz said she enjoys educating the public about wildlife.

“I really love my job. I love birds,” she said. “I have been doing this for about 2½ years.”

Local artisan John Gallagher also participated in the festival, showcasing and selling examples of his woodturning craft.

Through educational programs, wildlife presentations and hands-on activities, Migration Fest offered visitors an opportunity to learn about the remarkable journeys undertaken each fall by monarch butterflies and migratory birds while supporting the nature center’s conservation mission.