Monday, August 14, 2017

The End of an Era: MOSI Outside Exhibits Permanently Closed

As of August 14, 2017, all MOSI Outside exhibits are permanently closed. This includes the Butterfly Garden and Flight Encounter and the Richard T. Bowers Historic Tree Grove. MOSI itself is making a series of changes to make MOSI financially sustainable by dramatically lowering its maintenance, utilities, and operations costs. MOSI will be reconfigured in its current location, with many existing exhibits consolidated into the former Kids in Charge building. Learn more about MOSI's goals and mission here.

With the closure of the Butterfly Garden and Flight Encounter, all butterflies were relocated into our outdoor gardens to live out the rest of their short lives. The outdoor gardens here are ideal butterfly habitat, and the butterflies will thrive here. The land itself has been returned to Hillsborough County, which will make all decisions about its future use. These gardens are no longer accessible to the public, nor is the Richard T. Bowers Historic Tree Grove.  Any questions regarding the use of this land should be directed to the county.

As for the Butterfly Ladies, we are off to new adventures. Our time at MOSI has been terrifically special to us, and we truly value the opportunities we've had here to bring the magic of Florida's native butterflies to thousands of MOSI guests over the years. This blog will remain available as a reference for anyone interested in learning more about Florida butterflies, moths, birds, wildflowers, trees, and other wildlife. We hope it continues to inspire folks to build their own butterfly gardens and wildlife habitats, spreading the wonder far and wide.

Our sincere thanks to all who've supported us, including the Jacarlene Foundation, and made these years full of wriggling caterpillars, fluttering wings, and colorful flowers possible. The chance to share our love of them all is one we'll never forget.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.  
~Gary Snyder

Kristen Gilpin (left), 18 years at MOSI  /  Jill Staake (right), 8 years at MOSI

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