Table of Contents
Introduction
Butterfly Farms, a nonprofit organization dedicated to butterfly education, conservation, and research, is planning to open a new butterfly garden at The Farm in Poway. The new garden will be four times larger than their previous location in Encinitas, which recently closed. The expansion comes as The Farm residential development progresses and features such as a trail, native plant garden, and flower field are taking shape. Construction on the new Butterfly Farms location is expected to begin in early 2024.
Butterfly Farms: A Hub for Butterfly Education and Conservation
Butterfly Farms was originally established in 2012 in Encinitas by Director Pat Flanagan and his partner Tom Merriman. The facility aimed to differentiate itself from other nurseries in the area by displaying butterflies and offering butterfly education. Over the years, Butterfly Farms grew to include a butterfly observation area, nursery, and education center. They provided information on local butterfly species, tips for attracting butterflies to yards, and raised awareness about the endangered status of monarch butterflies.
Expanding at The Farm in Poway
The decision to open a new, larger location at The Farm in Poway was made in collaboration with Kevin McNamara, the managing partner of The Farm. Flanagan and McNamara met at the San Diego County Fair five years ago, where Flanagan was hosting a butterfly demonstration garden. As The Farm development progressed, it became clear that Butterfly Farms needed more infrastructure. Flanagan also wanted to concentrate on one location following the passing of his partner, Tom Merriman. The new Butterfly Farms at The Farm will continue to offer educational workshops and field trips for school children.
Features of the New Butterfly Garden
The new Butterfly Farms location at The Farm will boast several features to enhance the visitor experience. These include:
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Butterfly Free Flight House: Visitors will have the opportunity to observe butterflies up close in a free flight house, witnessing their vibrant colors and interactions with each other.
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Educational Area: The butterfly garden will have a designated space for educational activities, allowing visitors to learn more about butterfly species, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
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Gift Shop: A gift shop will be available on-site, offering butterfly-themed merchandise and educational materials.
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Business Office: The Butterfly Farms team will have a dedicated business office at the new location to manage operations and administrative tasks.
Community Enthusiasm and Support
The planned Butterfly Farms location at The Farm has garnered excitement and support from the community, particularly among residents who are passionate about butterflies and nature conservation. Criselda Yee, a longtime Poway resident and member of the Poway Valley Garden Club, has visited the previous Butterfly Farms location in Encinitas multiple times. She believes that the new location will provide a beautiful setup for people to enjoy the butterfly experience and will be a great asset to Poway.
Yee and her husband have created their own butterfly sanctuary by planting a butterfly garden and installing a butterfly house. They have released over 1,000 monarch butterflies and 23 swallowtails, contributing to the conservation of these species. Yee emphasizes the importance of appreciating nature and understanding our impact on the natural world.
Opening and Pricing Details
The new Butterfly Farms at The Farm is expected to open in late 2024, pending construction and design completion. The exact pricing for educational workshops and observation visits is still being determined. However, at the previous location in Encinitas, general admission was priced at $6 per person. The butterfly farm is expected to operate seven days a week during butterfly season, which typically runs from April through November.
Conclusion
Butterfly Farms’ upcoming expansion at The Farm in Poway is an exciting development for butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers. The new, larger location will provide an immersive and educational experience for visitors, showcasing the beauty and importance of butterflies in our ecosystem. With the support of the community and the dedication of Butterfly Farms, the new butterfly garden is set to become a cherished destination in Poway.