SOUL TRAK’S BOTANIC GARDENS AND BUTTERFLY PAVILION OUTING

By Ruth Iwelumo

Soul Trak is a non-profit organization aimed at connecting black people to the outdoors and the environment.

On the 1st of February, Soul Trak held an event that consisted of an outing to the United States Botanical Gardens and the Butterfly Pavilion. This event was definitely something to write about. The event began at about 10:00 am and the group leaving from Howard University’s campus conveyed at Starbucks at 9:15 am before leaving for the destined location. 

Entering the Botanic gardens, Soul Trak held a photo scavenger hunt where the group was tasked to find and take pictures of the plants in season. This gave us a chance for us all to explore the garden in its fullest. The garden was a beautiful scene and everyone felt relaxed and at peace.

Another group was also holding a “Save the Earth” event at the same time we were there so we got to enjoy live music and dancing. Photo-ops were not scarce too!

Arriving at the location, we were greeted with Patrick Dougherty’s stickwork installation. There were exclamations on the beauty and skill of the work.

After our time at the Botanical Gardens, with everyone feeling buzzed and excited from the scenery the group walked about a mile to the Butterfly Pavillion for our next part of the adventure!

We arrived at the Butterfly Pavillion, ad after paying the ticket prices ($7 per person) we were allowed entrance. The Pavillion was simply stunning. There were butterflies of different types all around us. We also learned about various butterfly habits from Pavillion workers. The group tried to identify as many butterflies as possible and some just relaxed and took in the scene. There was joy on the faces of all present.

This outing once again reminds us that black people deserve to be in these spaces and deserve the joy and peace that comes from connecting with the outdoors and connecting with nature.