The Children’s Butterfly Garden, located within the Silva Creek Botanical Garden in Silver City was planted to celebrate the lives of Ella Jaz Kirk, Michael Mahl and Ella Myers. The planting was a community effort of love to create lasting beauty and a place for children of all ages to gather, observe, and experience the myriad of pollinators that visit the garden. The butterfly shaped interactive beds draw children into the experience of the birds, bees, and numerous butterflies that gather nectar from the flowers. Milkweeds are a central piece of the garden, designed to draw Monarch butterflies into the space to lay their eggs and foster the conservation of the iconic species. The garden has been the focus of multiple events and workshops focused on pollinators and butterflies since its formation in 2015. The Children’s Butterfly Garden is currently maintained by volunteers of the Heart of the Gila. Learn more about Ella, Ella and Michael and their work to protect the wild, here.