Turf grass is out, and nature-inspired yards are in!

Butterflies are certainly beautiful, but they are also so much more: flowers need these pollinators and songbird chicks rely on caterpillars for food. Sadly, almost a fifth (17%) of the roughly 800 butterfly species gracing the United States are at risk of extinction.

The Sunrise Be A Butterfly Hero Program educates our community on the importance of pollinators, like butterflies, and coordinates educational activities and gardening events to increase wildlife habitats throughout the City.

Ramon Colon and his son (pictured right), are planting native muhly grass at the new Bird Garden at Markham Park. Ramon's family lives in Sunrise and attended the first Gardening For Wildlife Workshop back in February. Since the workshop Ramon has been volunteering at events, promoting the use of native plants, and sharing his knowledge with other residents and businesses to certify their properties to help the City achieve a Community Wildlife Habitat designation.

Our next Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, from 1:00-3:00 pm at Flamingo Park Community Hall ( 12855 NW 8 St.). You will learn how to attract and sustain butterflies and birds to your yard or patio space.

Join us for this free, family-friendly workshop!

We will have light refreshments, and free 3-gallon trees, flowering plants, and seeds for attendees.

Space is limited so make sure to register by emailing your name and number of attendees to: [email protected] or calling 954-888-6043.