Bull Shoals White River State Park
In 2007 we began our biggest project!
A former park interpreter, Janice Denney, had planned on a butterfly garden to be included in the building of the James A. Gaston Visitor Center at the Bulls Shoals-White River State Park. Denney then discovered that the landscaping was not included in the plans. She then contacted Lucy Mothershead, a Marion County Master Gardener to see if she would ask the group if they would be interested in helping with the planning, planting and maintaining a butterfly garden there. Karla Axel, another Marion County Master Gardener, who was also with the Crooked Creek Conservation office, was asked to help coordinate the project. Karla’s knowledge, not only with plants, but also butterflies was a huge benefit to the whole project. A grant was applied for to help with the expense, and the grant was awarded. The project then went forward and was named “Wings over the Ozarks”. Our Master Gardeners were anxious to help, which was appreciated as much help was needed!
The spot for the garden was not in good shape and took a lot of labor to get it ready to plant, but eventually it was declared ready. Since this was to be an educational garden, local school students from around Marion County were to be included in the planting of this garden, so the buses would come with many young gardeners from kindergarten on up. First off, they would attend a class to learn about the butterflies’ life cycle including their food plants, and the gift the butterflies give to humans in return by pollinating many plants in our gardens. Next, they were able to help with the planting of some of the plants that butterflies enjoy and need. Since, when planting, one can get a bit dirty, they then would clean up and have a snack before returning to school. This was an adventure that they seemed to enjoy, and of course they were able to visit later with their families to see the fruits of their labor.
This project won the Project of the Year award in 2008, which was for counties in Arkansas who had less than 51 active members. The award was based on the benefit to the community, plus the educational factor and the involvement of the community. A very proud moment for the Marion County Master Gardeners!
Many visitors have passed through this garden since its beginning and enjoyed the butterflies, flowers and the information available to them. We are still involved in this wonderful project.
In 2007 we began our biggest project!
A former park interpreter, Janice Denney, had planned on a butterfly garden to be included in the building of the James A. Gaston Visitor Center at the Bulls Shoals-White River State Park. Denney then discovered that the landscaping was not included in the plans. She then contacted Lucy Mothershead, a Marion County Master Gardener to see if she would ask the group if they would be interested in helping with the planning, planting and maintaining a butterfly garden there. Karla Axel, another Marion County Master Gardener, who was also with the Crooked Creek Conservation office, was asked to help coordinate the project. Karla’s knowledge, not only with plants, but also butterflies was a huge benefit to the whole project. A grant was applied for to help with the expense, and the grant was awarded. The project then went forward and was named “Wings over the Ozarks”. Our Master Gardeners were anxious to help, which was appreciated as much help was needed!
The spot for the garden was not in good shape and took a lot of labor to get it ready to plant, but eventually it was declared ready. Since this was to be an educational garden, local school students from around Marion County were to be included in the planting of this garden, so the buses would come with many young gardeners from kindergarten on up. First off, they would attend a class to learn about the butterflies’ life cycle including their food plants, and the gift the butterflies give to humans in return by pollinating many plants in our gardens. Next, they were able to help with the planting of some of the plants that butterflies enjoy and need. Since, when planting, one can get a bit dirty, they then would clean up and have a snack before returning to school. This was an adventure that they seemed to enjoy, and of course they were able to visit later with their families to see the fruits of their labor.
This project won the Project of the Year award in 2008, which was for counties in Arkansas who had less than 51 active members. The award was based on the benefit to the community, plus the educational factor and the involvement of the community. A very proud moment for the Marion County Master Gardeners!
Many visitors have passed through this garden since its beginning and enjoyed the butterflies, flowers and the information available to them. We are still involved in this wonderful project.
April 8, 2025 Mulching & Planting
Great work day at the Butterfly Garden at James A Gaston Visitor Center Bull Shoals White River State Park! Marion County Master Gardeners spread fresh mulch and planted trays of flowers.
Thanks to Alan, Susan, Paula and Lincoln, Anna, Linda B., Karla, Charita, Myrna and Beecher, Dan, and Linda P! Great work!
Thanks to Alan, Susan, Paula and Lincoln, Anna, Linda B., Karla, Charita, Myrna and Beecher, Dan, and Linda P! Great work!
March 14, 2025 Cleanup
Marion County Master Gardeners and friends spent a productive morning cleaning up the Butterfly Garden at the James A. Gaston Bull Shoals White River State Park Visitor's Center, located next to the dam in Bull Shoals.
Spring 2023 Cleanup
2019 - Baxter Bulletin Article
Summer 2016
Spring 2016
2007
