Butterfly garden planned for Seven Maples Nature Area

CLINTONVILLE — A butterfly garden is being planned as a new feature of the Seven Maples Nature Area, said Justin McAuly, Clintonville’s park and recreation director.

He told the park and recreation committee Jan. 30 that a garden of native plants will help attract and protect many butterfly species.

“We are losing many of our butterflies because of the loss of habitat, urbanization and business density,” McAuly said.

The Seven Maples Nature Area was gifted to the city in June 2016 by the family of Lynne Simpson. It consists of 17.2 acres and is located at 150 13th St. It was her wish that the parcel be developed into a nature or park area, McAuly said, and that native plants be used in any plantings.

Plants in the butterfly garden could include common milkweed, switch grass, asters, lupine, goldenrod, sunflowers, Joe Pye weed, marigolds and cone flowers. McAuly said he found a place in Westfield where he can obtain native plants and expects to find additional locations. He was optimistic that they may even be able to attract the rare Karner blue butterfly to the area.

The proposed butterfly garden will likely be kidney or oval shaped. It could be a raised or flat with some sort of barrier, said McAuly.

“I think there should be some sort of walkways or trails so visitors can get up close to the plants,” said Chuck Manske, committee member. “There needs to be space in between the plants and there should be signage.”

It was suggested that there be benches in the garden.

“Photographers may even want to be getting up close for pictures,” said Steve Kettenhoven, committee chairman.

“The funds to do the project could come from the landscaping account and may be about $2,700,” said McAuly, who added that he will keep the committee informed on the progress of the project.