Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center invites the public to celebrate Earth Day at Eco-Fest on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This free event features butterfly releases throughout the day, a vendor market, and a pet food and supply drive.

“Eco-Fest is a wonderful way to celebrate Mother Earth and the spring season. With three butterfly releases, we will not only be providing an individual ah-ha moment for guests, we will also be introducing more than 1,500 essential pollinators into our garden space. It’s a day designed to get outside, enjoy the gardens, participate in family-friendly activities and purchase some fantastic items from our local vendors. Children of all ages will be inspired to be kind to their world,” said Katie Krantz, associate director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center.

Three butterfly releases will occur throughout the day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors can expect a day full of family fun that highlights sustainability and natural history. Local and regional organizations and businesses host booths which provide information about earth-friendly products, services and opportunities. Games, activities and engaging presentations provide entertainment for the whole family, along with strolls through the beautiful grounds of the gardens.

"New this year to Eco-Fest is the pet food and supply drive to benefit the animal shelters in the cities of West Orange, Orange and Pinehurst. Representatives from each shelter will be on-site to collect food and cash donations, as well as answer any questions. Drop-off for the donations will be at the front entrance," said Krantz.

Shangri La is a 250 plus acre outdoor oasis in Orange, Texas, located along the waterways of the Adams Bayou that combines botanical gardens and an education nature center in a unique way. Visitors are encouraged to stroll along garden paths surrounded by fragrant flowers, bird watch and take in the beauty of the grounds. Guests can enjoy the Children’s Garden that delights the young and young-at-heart, and gain a new sense of environmental stewardship in one of Texas’ most environmentally friendly gardens. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, visitors can take a naturalist-led excursion along Adams Bayou to see the wonders of nature, learn about the environment and its care, discover animals in their natural habitats and spend time with friends and family.

Shangri La is a program of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, a private operating foundation that aims to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas by providing significant resources for the study and enjoyment of art, history, nature and culture.

Located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas, Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.). Entrance to Shangri La Gardens is free of charge. For more information call 409-670-9113 or visit shangrilagardens.org.