National Butterfly Center
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When you think of where butterflies are most abundant, warm and tropical places—like California, Hawaii and Mexico—usually come to mind. But you may be surprised to learn that more species of butterflies can be found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, located in the southernmost tip of Texas, than anywhere else in the United States.
While this area has long been a favorite of bird enthusiasts, it has recently been recognized for the quantity and diversity of butterflies found only here. Because of this, the North American Butterfly Association, headquartered in Morristown, NJ, opened the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas.
The flagship project is a 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden that contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. Of the 700-plus known species of butterflies in the United Sates, more than 300 of them may be seen in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and more than 200 species have been documented at the center.
Visitors to the center are introduced to a variety of native plant species, purposefully selected to provide feeding and breeding habitat for butterflies, caterpillars and birds. These host plants attract butterflies in search of sustenance and serve to support the center’s mission of “growing connections” between people, plants and butterflies that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us.
Monarch butterflies, the state butterfly of Texas, have recently been added to the endangered species list. To learn how you can help visit Monarch Watch online.