Butterfly Farms in Encinitas was established in 2012 out of concern for the decline of native butterflies. This nonprofit is dedicated to education, conservation and research of native pollinators. In their nursery, they raise and sell plants important to pollinators. In their laboratory, they raise native butterflies, some of which they release into their vivarium, where you can observe the mutual symbiosis unfold. Butterflies use the plants to lay eggs, after hatching, caterpillars eat the leaves, and then use the plants to create cocoons. Finally, butterflies emerge and drink the nectar from the flowers, while unknowingly pollinating them. It’s full circle. And its better than magic, its science.
















Great photos. The purple salvia is a stand-out!
It’s spectacular! And the butterflies enjoy it too. 🙂
Wow amazing photos! Would love to take Lea there if we still can in the summer.
Its a great organization. The best time to go is their butterfly release day. Which is Friday as of now.
“Butterflies are self propelled flowers.”
― Robert A. Heinlein