Home / Environment / From Sand to Sanctuary: Lions Club Cultivates Butterfly Haven
From Sand to Sanctuary: Lions Club Cultivates Butterfly Haven
26 Jun
Summary
- Pollinator garden transformed sandy ground into a haven for native plants.
- Volunteers overcame soil and irrigation challenges with compost and water tanks.
- Garden produces harvested potatoes donated to local families in need.
A once underused park in Mitchell has been revitalized into a vibrant pollinator garden, thanks to the dedication of Cindy Easton and the Palace City Lions Club. Over the past three years, this environmental project has transformed a patch of sandy ground at Lions Point Park into a sanctuary for butterflies, bees, and native flora.
Initial challenges included the sandy soil, which volunteers improved by adding compost. Access to water was another obstacle, eventually solved with the purchase of water tanks that hold about 700 gallons, with assistance from the Mitchell Parks Department. Volunteers also contributed by tilling, scattering seeds, and clearing space for the new infrastructure.
The garden now features essential plants like milkweed, which has already attracted monarch butterflies. Beyond its ecological benefits, the garden has a practical twist: harvested potatoes are donated to local families each fall. Easton aims for the garden to become self-sustaining within two years, envisioning it as a future outdoor classroom and a peaceful retreat for the community.
