Photo by Eric Ayres Lara Durrah, right, and many other guests on hand Saturday during the dedication of the new Dobkin Butterfly Habitat at the Schrader Environmental Education Center release monarch butterflies to celebrate the occasion.

WHEELING — Oglebay Institute hosted a private reception and dedication ceremony on Saturday for the new Dobkin Butterfly Habitat at the Schrader Environmental Education Center.

The event celebrated the generosity of the Dobkin Family, whose gift established the new habitat in memory of their son Jacob and in honor of their son Ben’s transformative experiences at the Schrader Center.

“This space is more than a garden — it is a living classroom, a sanctuary for butterflies and pollinators and a place of wonder for all who visit,” said Danielle Cross McCracken, president of Oglebay Institute. “Beginning next spring, it will come alive with color and movement, offering programs that will inspire children, families, and nature enthusiasts to better understand and care for the natural world.”

Amy and Robert Dobkin added: “The Schrader Environmental Education Center and all of Oglebay Institute mean so much to our family, and we are thrilled to support this beautiful butterfly habitat. The staff and programming at the Schrader Center have played an important role for our family — inspiring exploration, encouraging curiosity, and furthering our son Ben’s respect for and appreciation of our natural surroundings and wonder.”

Oglebay Institute also acknowledged the generosity of Judge Fredrick P. Jr. and Joan Stamp, who previously established the Corson Wildflower and Butterfly Garden and endowment in honor of Joan’s mother, Joan Stifel Corson. Together, the Corson Wildflower and Butterfly Garden and the new Dobkin Butterfly Habitat provide lasting legacies of beauty, education and stewardship at the Schrader Center.

The Dobkin Butterfly Habitat will officially open to the public in spring 2026, offering educational programs, family experiences and opportunities to connect with nature while supporting pollinator conservation.