City of Andalusia, AL

07/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/25/2024 12:24

Cypress Landing recognized as butterfly sanctuary

Cypress Landing RV Park on Gantt Lake has recently been recognized as a certified butterfly sanctuary by the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). This certification marks a significant milestone for the campground, which has long been dedicated to environmental stewardship and conservation.

Cypress Landing is also now a certified stop on the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail. This prestigious designation places the campground among an elite group of locations dedicated to fostering habitats that support the life cycle of butterflies and other pollinators. The sanctuary boasts three distinct butterfly garden areas throughout the 34-acre community, each thoughtfully designed with pollinators in mind. These gardens provide a rich habitat filled with nectar-producing plants, offering an ideal environment for butterflies to thrive.

The gardens are a testament to Cypress Landing's commitment to biodiversity and its role in the larger ecosystem. Visitors to Cypress Landing can enjoy the beauty of the gardens while learning about the importance of pollinators in our environment. The sanctuary serves as an educational resource, raising awareness about the critical role that butterflies and other pollinators play in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. The Covington County Extension Office believes this to be the first certified butterfly sanctuary in the area.

Moreover, the efforts to create a thriving butterfly habitat have had a positive ripple effect on the campground's new community garden. The flourishing garden, supported by the presence of pollinators, is producing an abundance of vegetables.

Cypress Landing is proud to provide these fresh, free vegetables to the residents of the campground, fostering a sense of community and self-sufficiency.

"We are thrilled to receive this certification from NABA and to be a part of the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail," said owner Brody Brown. "Our goal is to create a community where both people and wildlife can flourish. This sanctuary was created through hard work and love of nature by the Cypress Garden Club led by Will and Carol Asken."

The certification from NABA and inclusion in the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail are not only a win for Cypress Landing but also for the local community and the broader efforts to protect pollinators. With the increasing threats to butterfly populations worldwide, initiatives like these play a crucial role in conservation efforts.

IF YOU WANT TO GO: Cypress Landing invites residents and visitors alike to explore the sanctuary, experience the vibrant butterfly populations, and participate in the ongoing efforts to preserve these vital creatures. The RV Park is located off Hwy. 29 North just past the Gantt Lake Public Boat Access. The official address 32249 Riverland Drive, Dozier.

Members of the general public who wish to visit the gardens should stop at Cypress Landing's General Store, open from 9-5 daily. Someone in the store will provide a flyer and direct visitors to the garden areas.