(Mission, TX) – Thursday, August 25, the National Butterfly Center is hosting a free seminar for landowners, farmers and ranchers interested in learning how to access grants and cost-share programs to plant for butterflies and wildlife. Representatives from funders, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, will be present to provide details and answer registrants’ questions.

“There are a variety of initiatives currently open to landowners and lease-holders who would like to restore native habitat or plant for pollinators,” explains Marianna Trevino Wright, executive director of the National Butterfly Center. “And we want everyone to do this! It’s our mission to make sure everyone knows how butterflies, bees and bats support environmental quality that benefits us all. For this reason, farmers, ranchers and others with a minimum of three acres available for planting are encouraged to attend.”

Lands set aside for planting do not have to be contiguous; rather, they may be corners or buffer patches. Nor do lands have to be currently in use for agricultural production or livestock. In fact, funds may be requested for habitat expansion or restoration. Those selected to receive monies through any of the programs presented at this seminar will receive a site evaluation, technical assistance and a custom conservation plan to meet specific goals in support of wildlife, water and native plants.

“Farmers, ranchers and landowners with a heart for conservation are already great stewards of our natural resources,” asserts Wright. “This seminar is intended to recognize the critical role they play in resource conservation, while providing practical incentives for them to do more for our magic Valley.”

The CRP/EQIP Seminar will take place from 10 am – 12 pm, Thursday, August 25, at the National Butterfly Center in Mission. It is open to landowners and lease-holders throughout South Texas. Lunch will be provided from 12pm – 1pm to all who pre-register for the event, courtesy of Douglass King Seed Company, with a tour of the center’s native plant gardens and Nursery. Please call 956.583.5400 to reserve your seat.

###

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 and environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of the processes that create sustainable ecosystems. The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week.

To learn more about the National Butterfly Center, and how you can join us, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956.583.5400. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.

###