As 2019 (and this decade) draw to a close, we want to take this moment to say, “THANK YOU!” to everyone who has visited, volunteered, joined, followed and shared our story, and donated to protect and defend the National Butterfly Center. You have done so much to contribute to our success and deserve credit for the great strides we’ve made since before the Chrysalis Visitor’s Pavilion opened in October 2010 to now.
2019: What a year it has been!
As we continue to win victories in our battle against the government’s border wall through congressional acts and legal actions, everything has not yet been resolved. On Dec. 5, our lawyers in the federal suit filed December of 2017 against the Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security presented arguments to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Now we wait for their decision to be handed down; still, the war rages on…
Today we’re waging battle on another front and against new enemies, i.e. the private entities that seek to fulfill Trump’s destructive campaign promise. Earlier this month we filed suit against We Build the Wall, Inc., Fisher Industries and Neuhaus & Sons LLC to stop them from building their “water wall” on the banks of the Rio Grande River, just downstream from us. This project was initiated without permits from the International Water & Boundary Commission, and without permits in compliance with the Clean Water Act and the Rivers & Harbors Act—federal laws that have been waived for government wall construction, but not for any other. We’re due in court, again, for this case on Friday, January 3. To hear the press release concerning this action, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5H6gjmeLlo
On the ground, at the center, we continue to expand. This fall, we added one more butterfly to our list, Manuel’s Skipper (Polygonus manueli), found by member David Oakley from Arkansas. His discovery increased the total number of species documented on the property to 239! In the nursery, Stephanie and Randi are busy propagating all the plants needed for our newest attraction, Hummingbird Haven, while the guys handle site preparation. This feature will focus on plants that pull double duty, providing preferred nectar and shelter for hummingbirds, as well as butterflies, bees and other wildlife.
Finally, we remain in discussions to acquire approximately 400 additional acres near the center to advance our mission of conservation and create more healthy habitat for butterflies. We hope everything will work out in our favor so we can complete this transaction in the coming year.
None of this would be possible without your generous financial support and fierce advocacy for our organization. We are truly fortunate to have wonderful partners, friends and funders, all of whom are passionate about making the world a better place for the love of butterflies!
With gratitude,
Marianna
Save the Date
Are you interested in gardening for a greener world? If so, plan to attend the inaugural Wild Gardening Festival at the National Butterfly Center, April 18 – 21, 2020. This 4-day festival is fit for gardeners at every experience level interested in learning more about how they can make the planet a better place just by getting their hands dirty. Our mission is increasing healthy habitat for butterflies, birds, bees and other wildlife one garden at a time, because we’re #GoodHabitatForming!
SAVE THE DATE:
25th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival
On the ground, at the center, we continue to expand. This fall, we added one more butterfly to our list, Manuel’s Skipper (Polygonus manueli), found by member David Oakley from Arkansas. His discovery increased the total number of species documented on the property to 239! In the nursery, Stephanie and Randi are busy propagating all the plants needed for our newest attraction, Hummingbird Haven, while the guys handle site preparation. This feature will focus on plants that pull double duty, providing preferred nectar and shelter for hummingbirds, as well as butterflies, bees and other wildlife. 
