Concord, New Hampshire, is preparing for a poignant event that transcends grief, celebrating the vibrant spirit of Natalie Duncan, a young woman whose infectious passion for conservation and the outdoors left an indelible mark. A year after her passing at age 27, her family is establishing a beautiful butterfly bench at Rollins Park, not only as a memorial but as a beacon for environmental stewardship and a testament to her enduring legacy.
Natalie’s profound connection with the natural world was evident throughout her life. She was an avid adventurer, making a habit of conquering the western ascent of Mount Kearsarge in high school and embarking on an ambitious thru-hike of the entire Appalachian Trail in 2022. Her global experiences further deepened this bond, including dedicated work on an organic farm in Costa Rica and a conservation district near Albuquerque, experiences that shaped her unwavering commitment to protecting our planet.
Though Natalie’s life was tragically cut short, her love of nature and its inhabitants continues to inspire. In a deeply moving note to her parents before her death, she articulated her desire to remain connected to them through the natural world, writing, “Just imagine I’m a bird or a butterfly, a pollinator of some sort, who gets to fly by your sides always without failing to navigate the strange mire that is being human.” This sentiment now finds a tangible expression in the butterfly garden.
The symbolism of butterflies resonated powerfully with her parents, Andy Duncan and Laurel Horne. Just last week, as they chose the perfect spot for the artistic bench, two monarch butterflies gracefully fluttered around them, chasing each other amidst the flowers. This serendipitous encounter underscored the profound connection between Natalie’s spirit and the delicate beauty she so cherished, solidifying the choice of a butterfly memorial.
This Saturday, Rollins Park will transform into a vibrant hub of celebration and education, honoring both Natalie and the crucial role of pollinators. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the community is invited to engage with programming from esteemed organizations such as the New Hampshire Audubon Society, Petals in the Pines, UNH Master Gardeners, the Xerces Society, Concord School District’s Project SEE, and New Hampshire Fish and Game, all contributing to a rich learning experience.
The event promises a delightful array of activities designed to foster a love for nature, particularly among younger attendees. Children will have the unique opportunity to paint rocks, decorate cut-out cookies, craft with coffee filters, and even make their own seed balls, directly contributing to pollinator habitat. These hands-on experiences aim to instill a sense of environmental responsibility and wonder in the next generation, echoing Natalie’s own dedication to conservation.
Beyond the celebration of nature, the Duncan family, particularly Laurel Horne and Andy Duncan, hope the memorial event serves a dual purpose. Having navigated their own journey through grief and supported Natalie during her life, they are committed to connecting other struggling families with vital local resources. Organizations like the National Association of Mental Illness, the Unitarian Universalist Church, and the Healing Hearts group provided invaluable support to them, highlighting the critical need for accessible mental health resources within the community.
The butterfly bench and pollinator event stand as a powerful testament to Natalie Duncan’s enduring legacy. It is a heartfelt invitation for the Concord community to come together, not only to honor a cherished life but also to champion environmental awareness and foster critical conversations around mental health. Through this beautiful memorial, Natalie’s spirit continues to inspire positive change and cultivate hope for countless others.
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