We have done extensive research to understand where to put our energy in terms of creating a sustainable ecosystem. The list continues to grow, but as of today, these are our top priority projects being cultivated.
- Native Butterfly Observation Enclosure. This is where our native butterflies will live once hatched, and where the public will be able to come for visitations. The house will be abundant with plants the native species thrive on, such as milkweed and thistle. The butterflies will be kept in the house during the warmest months in order to be protected from predators. They will be released at the end of the season.
- Large scale pollinator planting. In order to keep our local ecosystem thriving, we must rehabilitate the land to feed all of the pollinators. This will include planting Red Clover, Echinacea/Purple Coneflower, Milkweed, GoldenRod, and Field Thistle on a very large scale.
- Butterfly Acres honeybee hives. In addition to assisting the local pollinators to thrive, we plan to keep our own hive to produce house-made honey. Honey is a wonderful food source, medicine, and topical agent that we would love to share with our visitors.
- Maple Syrup tapping. The land Butterfly Acres lives on is surrounded by Sugar Maple trees, and we plan to tap on a large scale for making available to our visitors. Imagine driving up to a lovely butterfly house with the aroma of fresh tapped maple syrup emerging from the forest…yum!
- Educational center. We know the importance of education, and have worked to find dedicated individuals who have a passion for teaching in the fields we are looking for. We are still seeking professionals who are on the path to graduate from a program in the Natural Sciences or Biology, especially Entomologists, Lepidopterists, and even Geologists. Permaculture or Horticulture student? We want to hear from you too! This will be the central hub of Butterfly Acres, where you can grab a cup of coffee and learn about nature!
- Cricket farming. To promote true sustainability, you have to be open to all avenues of problem solving. We have done extensive research into cricket farming, and have created a plan to integrate them as chicken feed.
- Black Soldier Fly farming. As we want to build our own protected ecosystem here at Butterfly Acres, no waste is the goal. Black soldier flies offer a way to not only feed your chickens with larva, but aids in the disposal of some of your common food scraps. Composted organic scraps create an acidic fluid called leachate, which the black soldier flies process as food. The larva can be fed to chickens for an optimal protein source. We plan to get the community involved in the process, as well as offer educational courses to learn more about composting.
- Hydroponic community garden. Healthy, organic foods are important for all life. Hydroponic gardening will offer an abundant food source for the animals and community. We aim to become a top producer of organic fruits and vegetables with walk through greenhouses open to the public.