"The safety of our staff and visitors is our primary concern," states Dr. Jeffrey Glassberg, president and founder of the North American Butterfly Association. "We look forward to reopening, soon, when the authorities and professionals who are helping us navigate this situation give us the green light."
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to members and visitors, many of whom plan trips months in advance, to experience this truly exceptional place,” adds Marianna Trevino Wright, executive director of the National Butterfly Center.
The center is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Rio Grande Valley. It hosts more than 35,000 unique visitors and over 6,000 school children each year, to share environmental education and conservation efforts related to the critical contributions wild, free-flying butterflies make to healthy ecosystems and a sustainable planet. It is home to the annual Texas Butterfly Festival, a spectacular even during the peak of butterfly season that draws participants from around the world.
As with the recent, emergency closure that lasted three days, the board has chosen to pay our valued staff, who should not suffer a loss of wages due to this unexpected business disruption caused by false and defamatory attacks directed by political operatives.
Thank you for your understanding at this dark time, for your support and for sharing our story.
“Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness, yet become something beautiful.“
