Conservation

Butterflies are valuable contributors to our enviroment, yet each year more than two million acres of habitat are being lost, resulting in diminishing butterfly populations.  Michigan Native Butterfly Farm is dedicated to promoting public awareness through education and conservation efforts in our community and throughout the United States. 

Our mission is to:

  • Increase public awareness about the plight of the butterfly through exhibits, festivals, and special events
  • Promote the conservation of butterfly habitat and restoration through workshops, garden club, library and other community programs
  • Provide healthy butterflies in all stages of development to schools, zoos, exhibits, and conservation programs
  • Supply plants that support the habitat and life cycle of indigenous butterfly species
  • Promote the Monarch Waystation program and provide milkweed and nectar sources
  • Promote native plants through the sale of American Beauties, Michigan genotype, and butterfly host plants
  • Assist citizen scientists in their passion for butterflies by providing resources and products for the rearing, care, and habitat of backyard butterflies 

Michigan Native Butterfly Farm community activities include:

  • Participation in the local Conservation District annual Native Plant Sale: Presentation about the importance of native plants in relation to indigenous butterflies and 10% donation of plant sales
  • Promotion of annual Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD) sponsored by the Association for Butterflies (AFB) by participating in two day Butterfly Festival at George’s Livonia Gardens, a local garden center.  Activities include Mobile Butterfly Exhibit, butterflies in all stages of development, and butterfly gardening and conservation presentations
  • Participation in various community Garden Walk events; Mobile Butterfly Exhibit, butterflies in all stages of development, and sale of butterfly host, nectar, and native plants.
  • Participation in Monarch Watch’s annual Tag & Release program; hundreds of butterflies released annually
  • Design and installation of butterfly gardens and Monarch Waystations: 2012 project at Summerfield-Petersburg Library; 2013 project at Michigan Memorial Park 

Michigan Native Butterfly Farm is a member of the following organizations:

  • Association for Butterflies (AFB)
  • International Butterfly Breeders Association (IBBA)
  • Oak Openings Landowner Registry
  • Association for Butterflies – Advanced Disease Prevention in Lepidoptera