The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden at Tom Tudek Memorial Park

Thirteen years ago this old field habitat (agricultural weeds) had six resident species of butterflies. Today there are over 30 resident species of butterflies and the garden has been enriched with some 90 species of native plants serving as caterpillar hosts and providing nectar for the adult butterflies The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden has become a special place for the public and is visited by youth and school groups, garden clubs, photographers, and thousands of people of all ages each year.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Centre County that have served in The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden have gained a knowledge and appreciation of many plant species that many gardeners rarely encounter. They have learned to identify seedlings of both butterfly friendly species and invasive weeds. They are able to recognize 8-12 or more species of butterflies and know their life cycles, caterpillar host plants, and seasons, and gained considerable general knowledge of insects and their relatives. Master Gardeners have gained a holistic understanding of habitats and ecosystems; critical to an understanding of sustainability needed to insure the survival of the natural world. The Garden has also been a source for research projects, some initiated by Dr. Snetsinger.

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners and Dr. Snetsinger have developed a plan that will ensure the continued enhancement of The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden. Increased public interest in gardening to create and enhance butterfly habitats to protect biodiversity and promote environmental stewardship continues to create opportunities for educational outreach at Tom Tudek Memorial Park and other locations throughout Centre County.

Contact Information

To inquire about Education and Outreach opportunities, or other questions about The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden, visit snetsingerbutterflygarden.org