Native Garden

Ideal for observing birds, butterflies, and moths, this garden displays trees, shrubs and perennials native to the Eastern United States. The plantings border the former turf research area developed as a small golf course and plantings along the road’s edge act as an important corridor to the woodlot.

View the slide show of the Native Garden located at the top of this page.

NEW in the Native Garden -- The Lepidoptera Trail

This new interpretive trail provides food for butterflies, moths and skippers (collectively known Lepidoptera) during both the caterpillar and adult stages of their life cycle. Most butterflies, moths, and skippers are generalists that drink nectar from a variety of flowers, but as caterpillars many species survive only by feeding on specific types of plants. As development continues to threaten local biodiversity, this trail provides the plants necessary to supporting nearly 20 species of caterpillars, an essential part of the food web.

Official opening of the Lepidoptera Trail is slated for fall 2009.

Click here for a list of the "20 Most Valuable Woody and Perennial Native Plant Genera in Terms of Supporting Biodiversity in the Mid-Atlantic Region," courtesy of Dr. Doug Tallamy.

For more information about caterpillar host plants, see Dr. Tallamy's website on Lepidopteran Use of Native & Alien Ornamental Plants.