Flowers of the Chandler's craglily, Echeandia chandleri
The John Fairey Garden made a generous donation of numerous species to the Butterfly Learning Center. Project Manager Nicki Apostolow picked up and delivered the donation to the BLC gardens where volunteers helped install the new additions.
The most prized addition to their plant collection is the Chandler's craglily (Echeandia chandleri), a federally listed endangered species endemic to South Texas.
The Butterfly Learning Center is located at the Voelker Homestead and is a Chapter Project of the Alamo Area Master Naturalists, which provides habitat for native butterflies and educational opportunities free to the public.
Plants selected for the garden are either food sources or larval hosts for various butterflies. In addition to the garden, there is a hatch house used to protect butterflies during their chrysalis (cocoon) phase.
Phil Hardberger Park 3rd Saturday educational programs are held at the BLC in the spring and fall.
Master Naturalist Wesley installs Acalypha monostachya.
Derrick installs Amyris texana, a host plant for the giant swallowtail.
The Butterfly Learning Center was created by the Alamo Area Master Naturalists and is operated by AAMN volunteers. The garden is designed to preserve native pollinator habitat and provide a hands-on learning experience for all.