South Tidewater News

Norfolk Botanical Garden is among the nominees for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Butterfly Garden in the United States. The garden features the 2.5-acre Bristow Butterfly Garden that provides a habitat supporting the lifecycle of native butterflies and moths. Visitors can explore different themed areas, including a nursery for swallowtails and monarchs, a nectar garden, a moonlight garden, and the Butterfly House.

The Butterfly House, starting mid-June, allows visitors to engage with native butterflies in a vibrant environment filled with nectar-rich plants. This exhibit, initially temporary in 2009, became a permanent attraction due to popular demand, drawing over 45,000 visitors each summer. Staff and volunteers utilize this space to educate students on various topics like the butterfly life cycle and pollinator behaviors.

Norfolk Botanical Garden emphasizes pollinator conservation as part of its mission, addressing the decline in butterfly and moth populations due to factors such as pesticide overuse and climate change. This conservation work is crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The public can participate in the vote for the best butterfly garden until May 12, 2025.

The Norfolk Botanical Garden spans 175 acres with over 65 themed gardens and offers various tours. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark. The garden supports environmental action and education, and it provides special admission programs like Norfolk Power Up and Museums for All.

For more details, visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden website.