(Mission, TX) – This year, the National Butterfly Center has resolved to use less water. It may not be sexy, but it sure is important in a land where drought and resource conservation are common themes. As part of this effort, we will be converting our traditional, flat-growing Nursery to a more efficient vertical one—and gaining room to grow more in the process!

“For a few years, now, we’ve been struggling with space issues in our native plant nursery,” explains Marianna Trevino Wright, executive director of the National Butterfly Center. “We desperately needed to expand, to increase our production capacity, but could not afford to expand the nursery in its current form. Elevated beds that protect plants from pests, prevent rooting, and allow for proper drainage can be expensive to build and they leave a large footprint; so, we found ourselves facing the same sort of problems that urban gardeners often face, where resources are limited and every square foot of growing space comes at a premium. This realization led us to an “urban” solution.”Vertical growing systems are just what they’re called: vertical; instead of growing plants in horizontal rows, one grows in columns that may reach the sky. Growing plants in this manner uses 1/10th the water of a traditional system, as drip irrigation literally trickles down, from one planter to another. There is no overspray, no need for saturation, no run-off and no water waste. The vertical system also keeps plants high enough to avoid slugs and snails, as well as animals that may menace a garden when no one is watching.

“We’re excited to grow up, and hope to inspire others to do the same,” states Wright. “In the Rio Grande Valley, water is our most precious natural resource. I think people forget we live in an irrigated desert, but our native plants are drought resistant and hearty. If everyone would just roll back a portion of their lawn and plant a lovely native flower bed, we could create more habitat for wildlife, attract butterflies and birds to our own backyards, and save beaucoup dollars on our monthly water bills.”

The National Butterfly Center needs your help to accomplish their goal of growing 100% vertical. We are seeking empty 2 and 3 Liter plastic bottles with caps, to complete the nursery conversion before the end of March. If your school, club or church would like to help us in this endeavor, we will arrange to pick up your collection; just call 956-583-5400, or stop by to visit with any of our grounds staff.

The Center is located in Mission, before Bentsen-RGV State Park, and open to the public seven days/week. To learn more about our mission and how you can join us, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org; it’s a great place to download a volunteer service application, or schedule your school’s Project WILD-certified field trip. You can also find out more about us on our family-friendly Facebook page.

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The National Butterfly Center is committed to ‘Growing Connections’ between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. We do this through educational, environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of sustainable ecosystems. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.

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