Butterfly Farms, Encinitas

Butterfly Farms was established in 2013 out of concern: native butterflies and pollinators were on the decline, and the folks here wanted to figure out not only why, but what could be done. Today, this California non-profit is dedicated to education, conservation, and research of important pollinators—including, of course, butterflies.

Inside the facility's 2,000 square foot vivarium—or, butterfly free-flight house—Cloudless Sulfur butterflies, Cabbage Whites, Painted Ladies, Monarchs, and many other species fly freely. Visitors can walk around exploring, but experts use this area to study the interactions of native butterflies in a unique ecosystem. They further utilize their findings in Butterfly Farms' other facilities, which include classrooms, a laboratory, and even a nursery.