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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The History of the National Butterfly Center
How We Began
The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.
future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration
Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.
In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.
To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.
The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.
Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT
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Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT
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Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> 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</header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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</div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p 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$scripts_for_layout = '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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</div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div 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</div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> 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class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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</div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div 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</div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.203501"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.317596"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">National Butterfly Center</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>3333 Butterfly Park Drive</div> <div> <span>Mission</span>, <span>TX</span> <span>78572</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/" target="_blank">National Butterfly Center</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-583-5400</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=National+Butterfly+Center%2C+3333+Butterfly+Park+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The History of the National Butterfly Center</p> <p>How We Began</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of wild butterflies in their native habitats. This 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. The National Butterfly Center is NABA's flagship facility and a primary focus of its efforts aimed at educating the public about the value of biodiversity, the beauty of the natural world, the wonder of butterflies, particularly, and the powerful role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable food resources. The Center is open for exploration, daily.</p> <p>future-plans-catepillarExpanding through Education & Collaboration</p> <p>Formed in 1993, NABA has grown to over 4,500 members in 30 chapters across the United States. Thanks to efforts to educate the public about the importance of butterflies and the ways in which they benefit humans and the environment, butterflies are viewed as wildlife to be protected. NABA has been instrumental in saving magnificent Regal Fritillaries, as well as Miami Blues—now known from one single colony off Key West in Monroe County, Florida. NABA is on the steering committee of the Monarch Joint Venture, and is the only NGO on the South Florida Endangered Butterfly Working Group.</p> <p>In addition, NABA runs the annual Butterfly Count Programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the help of thousands of volunteers in the field. The published results of these counts are used by scientists to monitor butterfly population trends in North America, and serve as the nucleus of the NABA initiative to create a continent-wide database of activity known as Butterflies I've Seen, or BIS. Because butterflies are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, they serve as an early warning system for issues related to environmental degradation due to climate change, pollution, and more.</p> <p>To promote the growth of wild butterfly populations, NABA encourages gardening and has developed a series of guides for those interested in creating habitats for butterflies and insects across North America. NABA Chapter members, whether master naturalists, hobbyists or enthusiasts, work within their communities to plant butterfly-friendly gardens at private residences and public places including local schools and parks.</p> <p>The National Butterfly Center supports the education and conservation mission of NABA. Not only does The Center collaborate with the National Park Service to ensure the survival of Monarchs on their mass migration through the Rio Grande Valley, it recently partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to plant 12,000 plugs of rare grasses and endangered wildflowers in Fall, 2011, to create the Geoffrey McAllen Memorial Native Grassland and Wildflower Refugium. Moreover, thousands of local school children and residents, tourists, environmentalists and scientists all enjoy exploring the Center's grounds, and the opportunity to discover caterpillars, butterflies and other critters in the wild.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" 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$scripts_for_layout = '<title>National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a" name="description"/> <meta content="National, Butterfly, Center, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/national-butterfly-center-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="National Butterfly Center"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The History of the National Butterfly Center How We Began The National Butterfly Center is a project of the North American Butterfly 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