The Butterfly Project

The announcement by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy of a $180 million Assiniboine Park revitalization will see much needed, exciting changes to a stately park that plays an important role in the lives of Winnipeggers - past, present and future. The park is beautiful, but a close look reveals a worn and tired infrastructure. Much of the media focus has been on the Zoo, as well as the overwhelming majority of public debate. Plans for a new Conservatory, though, are equally exciting. Conservatories play a critical role in the areas of botanical study, conservation and environmental education. The Conservatory's collection of tropical plants and beautiful floral displays that are in bloom year-round are enjoyed by people of all ages and provide an ideal winter escape - accessible to everyone.
On March 21st, 2009, Jim Fox of the Canadian Press reported in the Globe and Mail on the growing number of butterfly conservatories across Canada, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. Manitobans would have to go outside of the province to visit one. Imagine, on a cold February day, stepping into the humid, tropical setting of a new Conservatory and being greeted by the sight of thousands of butterflies floating freely amongst lush blooms and greenery? It is the hope of the Friends of Gardens Manitoba that the new Conservatory will also include a butterfly component and we urge the public to support the creation of such an exciting project.

The goal of the Friends is to raise $400,000 for this project.