National Butterfly Center

The National Butterfly Center is the flagship project of the North American Butterfly Association, Inc. This nonprofit organization is committed to Growing Connections between people, plants and pollinators, especially wild butterflies. This is done through educational and environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of the parties and processes that create beneficial and sustainable ecosystems. Located in Mission, Texas, which USA Today calls "the butterfly capitol of the USA," the National Butterfly Center anchors the NABA Section of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Conservation Corridor. This 100-acre nature preserve is currently the world's largest botanical garden to feature native plants in cultivated wildscapes and formal gardens. In addition to disappearing habitat such as riverine woodland, the center includes refugia for two federally-listed endangered plant species including Tamaulipan Kidneypetal (Ayenia limitaris) and Slender Rushpea (Hoffmannseggia tenella). Since 2004, more than 225 butterfly species and almost 300 bird species have been documented here--and these lists keep growing. Several species of threatened and protected wildlife species may also be found here including the Texas Tortoise, Texas Indigo and Texas Horned Lizard. Today, the center is working to establish the Southernmost Monarch Waystation, thanks to a Monarch Conservation grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Mexican Bluewing The National Butterfly Center has been named one of the top gardens in Texas, by the San Antonio Express News. An ever-changing landscape, it features walking trails, photography blinds, observation areas, educational exhibits and a native plant nursery for the benefit of visitors and the advancement of its mission. It is open to the public daily for exploration. Each fall, the center hosts the Texas Butterfly Festival.