Butterfly Garden Nears Completion

A new butterfly garden set to open this weekend will be a "practical airport" come this summer when its plants are in full bloom and local butterflies are most active.

At least that's the hope of the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy, which plans to open the garden Sunday during an afternoon celebration.

"There are dozens of butterfly species in the Charleston area," said Katy Wood, a landscape designer and Land Conservancy volunteer. "When they are at their peak, in the summer, this will be a practical airport."

Volunteers spent Tuesday afternoon planting a small tract of land on the Land Conservancy's Marsh View Trail. Nearly 30 plant species were planted to lure the butterflies.

"It's intended to draw out families, school children and be an interpretive opportunity for folks to learn about butterflies and plants and get them out in nature," said John Girault, the Land Conservancy's executive director.

Sunday's 3 p.m. event will feature Roti Rolls, a local foodtruck, and King of Pops, a handcrafted popsicle vendor. Students from Mamie Whitesides Elementary will sell lemonade and there will be music.

Nationally recognized author Mary Alice Monroe will sign her book, "The Butterfly's Daughter" at the event. Her book was the inspiration for the garden, Girault said.

Following the opening event, the park will be during daylight hours. The park and the Marsh View Trail are located at 1619 Rifle Range Road on the same land as the town's dog park, which are behind Mount Pleasant Waterworks.

IF YOU GO
What: Grand opening of Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy's Butterfly Garden
When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: 1619 Rifle Range Road (Behind the Mount Pleasant Waterworks facility)
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the Land Conservancy's site