Eleven distinct species of butterflies flitted from stem to stem Saturday at the Ecology Preserve's butterfly garden.
The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve hosted the event "Beautiful Butterflies," teaching children and adults how to begin and maintain a butterfly garden while allowing them to enjoy the outdoors.
Carol Griffin, master gardener and butterfly guru, gave advice to the group.
"It doesn't matter how big of a place you have," she said. "You can have it in two or three pots."
According to Griffin, butterflies are most attracted to plants with brightly colored flowers and big nectar sources.
The plants need to have large leaves that can serve as landing pads for the insects.
She also said the plants should be layered with varying heights and receive full sun.
Butterflies flourish in the sun because their body temperature must be between 85 and 100 degrees in order to fly, Griffin said.
Many butterflies have dark bodies, so they will heat up quicker.
Nick Holler, retired researcher and professor for Auburn's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and his wife Margaret help maintain the garden at the Ecology Preserve.
"It's been my baby," Margaret said, adding that she usually works in the garden every other day.
Margaret and her team revamped the Ecology Preserve's garden this year, starting in early spring.
Many of the plants started out as seedlings under lights in her house.
The team also added pathways and benches.
"It's been labor-intensive," Margaret said, "but the bulk of the hard work is already done."
Margaret's main motivation was to create a place for everyone--kids, parents and students--to enjoy.
Tyler Kennedy, 9-year-old Boy Scout and outdoor enthusiast, started a garden last month outside his bedroom, complete with herbs, flowers and a bird feeder.
After attending the event, Kennedy said he wanted to start a butterfly garden as well.
The Ecology Preserve, a division of Auburn's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, hosts community programs twice a month, said Jennifer Lolley, the preserve's administrator.
Lolley's goal is to promote a healthier lifestyle by getting more people to spend time outside.
According to its website, the preserve has 15 walker-friendly trails snaking four miles through various habitats, complemented by ponds, waterfalls and streams. In addition to the butterfly garden, an old barn, a turtle habitat and native wildflower viewing areas complete the ensemble.
The preserve, located on North College Street, is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Everyone is welcome, and there is no admission fee.
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