By Nick Andrews
mail@floridanewsline.com
As the summer sunshine graces Florida, it’s the perfect time to revel in the state’s natural beauty. The newly revitalized Ruth Harris Bennett Butterfly Garden at Alpine Groves Park is a haven that fuses education with tranquility in the great outdoors. Fresh from a major renovation, the garden now brims with enhancements including a tranquil bench seating area, an informative butterfly identification kiosk, a paved walkway, and a rich variety of pollinator-attracting flora.
This space serves as a living butterfly sanctuary, hosting nectar-rich flowers for nutrition, specific plants for reproduction, and a designated puddling station for water and minerals. Visitors can marvel at a diverse range of butterfly species like the graceful Monarchs, vibrant Gulf Fritillaries, Spicebush Swallowtails, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, and Florida’s official state butterfly, the Zebra Longwing.
Esteemed as a Monarch Waystation on the national registry, the Ruth Harris Bennett Butterfly Garden actively preserves these remarkable creatures’ habitats.
Also at Alpine Groves Park is the meticulously restored farmhouse, which is open on the second Saturday of each month from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Visitors can take a stroll down the pier for a breathtaking view of the St. Johns River. This serene park offers a captivating wildlife spectacle, including diverse bird watching opportunities.
The revamped Ruth Harris Bennett Butterfly Garden enhances Alpine Groves Park’s charm, serving as a peaceful retreat for visitors while playing a vital role in butterfly conservation.
Photos courtesy Nick Andrews
Zebra Longwing butterfly.
