Butterfly Release

Every year, HCS hosts a butterfly release to memorialize and remember those who have died. Butterfly Park, the City of Keene’s beautiful Community Space, is the traditional location for our event and we were thrilled to expand the butterfly release to a second location in 2022 and greatly enjoyed working with Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge. Planning for the 2023 events in both locations are underway! See below for more information. Save the date!

HCS and Cathedral of the Pines are partnering up to host 3 Butterfly Release events in 2023. The Thursday dates will be our traditional event, meditative and serene, one in each beautiful location.

While all are welcome to participate in each Butterfly Release event, this year, HCS is holding some “extra space” during our Saturday event for families with children. Children often grieve and remember loved ones differently than adults. Our Saturday event will include special activities and learning opportunities for children about butterflies, and we hope will have a sunny and celebratory atmosphere.

Join us for one or for all events!

Butterflies are now on sale for the 2023 Butterfly Release events. You may order butterflies by printing and mailing this form or clicking the button below to order online. 

This year we are offering both Monarch Butterflies and Painted Lady Butterflies. Monarch butterflies possess two pairs of brilliant orange-red wings, featuring black veins and white spots along the edges and have an average wingspan of 4 inches. Painted Lady butterflies have beautifully elaborate wings with patterns of reddish orange, pink, brown, white, and blue scales and an average wingspan of 2 inches.