Butterflies are free at new science village & conservatory at Fairchild
The Leopard Lacewing alights on a visitor’s hand and seems to like it there, spending what would amount to a good portion of its three-week or so lifespan just hanging out.
But don’t feel bad for the colorful little guy who seemed to delight in showing off his lovely tan, black and red wings to several guests at a preview tour of his new, lavishly decorated home in Coral Gables. Soon, there should be about 4,000 exotic butterflies joining him, along with a handful of hummingbirds, rare orchids and tropical plants.
Call it a scientist’s playground. A nature lover’s paradise.
The future of plant science, education and entertainment arrives Saturday at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with the opening of the $6 million Paul and Swanee DiMare Science Village. The world-within-a-world at the 83-acre Fairchild sprung from grounds that once housed an old maintenance yard. After 10 years of planning and two years of construction, this new nature space seamlessly blends into its two-acre neighborhood.
