SEBASTIAN – You could hear a pin drop. With only the slightest flutter, children watched in quiet awe as newly awakened monarch and viceroy butterflies flew over their heads.
A new butterfly house at LaPorte Farms, in Sebastian, drew a sizable crowd, including many families, during its grand opening Sept. 8.
Farm owner Laura LaPorte said the house fits in quite well with the rest of the farm.
“It is just another addition to our farm for our community to come and enjoy at the farm,” LaPorte said.
The freshly released, winged insects took to their new home with a flourish, she said.
“We released several different native species in there,” LaPorte said. “The release went really well.”
The butterfly house is filled with lots of plants and takes daily care and maintenance, she said.
“Also fresh fruits (are) put out daily, like watermelon, bananas, cantaloupe and pineapple for the butterflies to eat,” LaPorte said.
Though the farm was busy for the grand opening of the butterfly house, LaPorte said she wasn’t looking for a big response. It’s really just seeing the daily, self-guided tours at the farm increase that would be great, she said.
“We’re a local place that the community can come (out) and enjoy without spending outrageous admission fees,” LaPorte said. “Ours are self-guided tours with donation boxes throughout the property.”
Theresa Puscher brought her daughter Kristina out for a firsthand look at the new butterfly house.
“We come here all the time,” Puscher said. “This is a great place to bring her out to.”
Five-year-old Kristina is captivated by anything dealing with nature, she said.
Without coaxing Kristina began asking farm staff a myriad of questions about butterflies and how to care for them.
“She’s not shy,” Puscher laughed. “She’s always right in the middle of it if it’s something to do with animals or nature.”
Farm staff member Lucille Forbes said teaching children about animals and insects from early on can make a very positive impact on their development.
“I don’t talk down or water it down when I’m talking with kids,” Forbes said. “They grasp it and they will always ask questions.”
Most children are hungry for knowledge about things they see at the farm, she said.
Steve Shufelt, of Palm Bay, brought his family out for the grand opening event.
“It’s just a really beautiful environment to bring the kids to,” Shufelt said. “My wife does some photography here and kids love the animals.”
It’s amazing how calm and careful children are around butterflies, he said.
The next big event for LaPorte Farms is Fall Festival and third annual scarecrow contest, happening Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., on the farm grounds. Event plans call for pony rides, carnival-style games, bounce house and slide and a variety of food.
