Butterfly House Reopening For Summer In Northampton

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Beginning on Saturday, July 6 and continuing through early September, Churchville Nature Center’s unique Janet V. Mackiewicz Butterfly House and Botanical Garden will be open for visitors to witness the beauty of butterflies and blooms.

The Butterfly House, an enclosed, open-air facility that features native plants, water sources, walkways, a nursery and host plants, is also home to several diverse species of native butterflies.

Those butterflies began as eggs laid in the house or on the property, were reared in the nursery as
caterpillars and protected in cages as chrysalis, then released in the enclosed Butterfly House as adults to feed on host plants, breed, lay eggs and fly freely around curious visitors. After a week in the Butterfly House about 75 percent of all butterflies are released back into nature.

A caterpillar before its transformation into a butterfly. (Churchville Nature Center)

Inside the Butterfly House at the Churchville Nature Center.

“People of all ages can witness the lifecycle stages of butterflies that are native to this area,” said Peg Mongillo, assistant director of the Churchville Nature Center. “Most of the plants that we grow in the Butterfly House are host plants for the larval stage of butterflies and the adults can fly freely in the enclosed 'house' while being protected from outside predators. The Butterfly House is an engaging way for people to observe butterflies while learning about the vital roles they play with native plants, wildlife and local ecology.”

After touring the Butterfly House, visitors can explore Churchville Nature Center’s Botanical Garden, an enclosed area that surrounds “the house” and showcases manicured gardens, paths and seating areas.

“The plants, shrubs and trees featured in the Botanical Garden are also native to this area,” shared Peg. “Our staff and volunteer Botanical Gardeners keep the garden 'tidy and tame' to demonstrate that native plants that are vital for local insects, birds and other wildlife, can grow successfully in manicured, suburban gardens.”

The Butterfly House and Botanical Garden will be open from July 6 until early September from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. The Churchville Nature Center is closed on Mondays. Nature center interns, volunteer docents and staff will be on hand to answer questions or meet with groups.

Groups are encouraged to register in advance by calling 215-357-4005. Individuals and families do not need to call ahead. Remember that the Butterfly House is an open-air facility and it will be closed during inclement weather.

Admission to the Butterfly House and Botanical Garden is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for
children ages 4-13. Children under 4, as well as active military personnel, are admitted free of charge. Current members of the Friends of Churchville Nature Center also have free access.

Churchville Nature Center is an environmental education facility of the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation, located on a 65-acre nature preserve adjacent to the Churchville Reservoir in Northampton Township. The popular center is also known for its 2 miles of scenic trails, colorful gardens, exhibit-filled visitor center, family events, school and scout programs, nature walks, summer camps, Lenape Village – and so much more.

To learn more about Churchville Nature Center, click here.

(Churchville Nature Center)