Oak Hill has a new butterfly garden where kids will learn about pollinators and plants
Oct. 17, 2025, 5:03 a.m. ET
OAK HILL — Some people probably looked at an old inground swimming pool filled in with dirt and saw, well, dirt.
But others saw an opportunity to do something special.
On Sept. 26, Liberty Oaks Academy and STEAM Station Preschool in Oak Hill transformed an old swimming pool into a native butterfly garden. With the help of children, families and community partners, the dirt-filled pool became an outdoor classroom where students will learn about pollinators, native plants and environmental stewardship.
"It’s a wonderful example of community collaboration and how even our youngest learners can take pride in caring for the environment," said Erica Garris, operations manager at STEAM Station Preschool & Learning Center.
In addition to the butterfly garden, there are also new garden boxes that will be used to grow herbs and vegetables and teach children about the connection between gardening and healthy living.
The butterfly garden and vegetable garden will weave environmental education into daily life at Liberty Oaks Academy and STEAM Station Preschool, which teach kids ages 2 to 11.
Butterfly garden encourages next generation of gardeners in Oak Hill
The new gardens will serve children and families in southeast Volusia County and northern Brevard County. They'll give students hands-on experiences observing pollinator visits, tracking plant growth, and engaging in lessons that foster curiosity, responsibility and love for the natural world.
The project was made possible with the support of community sponsors and volunteers, including: New Smyrna Beach Garden Club, AT&T Pioneers, Asclepias Acres Nursery, Weaver Construction, The Yard Shop, CCH Lawn Maintenance, Master Gardener Jim Norman, Image Today, Lindley's Nursery and Wildflour Market.
Several people involved with the gardens project offered their thoughts about the venture.
"You are developing the next generation of Florida gardeners," said Phyllis Skiffington, vice president of the New Smyrna Beach Garden Club.
“What a journey," said New Smyrna Beach Garden Club member Mary Heasely. "Planting with the children was such a joy."
Damien Rockwood with Asclepias Acres Nursery called it "a wonderful project to be part of" that is "inspiring young minds."
"This was by far my favorite project ever," Rockwood said. "The way these young people smiled and took pride and ownership in this garden brought so much joy to my heart."
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com
Owner of Asclepias Acres, Damien Rockwood, along with students, faculty, and volunteers planting native plants.
Damien Rockwood, Faculty, Volunteers, and students pose in front of S.T.E.A.M Station in Oak Hill after a job well done!
Garden Club certifies Asclepias Acres as a butterfly sanctuary
For Hometown News newsdy@hometownnewsmediagroup.com
Jul 3, 2025 Updated Jul 3, 2025
Damien Rockwood, left, owner of Asclepias Acres, accepts a sanctuary certification from New Smyrna Beach Garden Club members, from left, Marty Sibley, Sue Schwulst, Hope Jenkins, Lola Duckworth and Patti Shawen.
Photo courtesy of Mike Shannon
The New Smyrna Beach Garden Club has certified Asclepias Acres, a newly established plant sanctuary and wildlife habitat in Edgewater, as a Butterfly Sanctuary Garden.
To commemorate the achievement, the sanctuary hosted a two-day public plant sale on its scenic 5.5-acre property at 3001 Citrus Drive, welcoming hundreds of visitors to support Florida’s native flora and pollinator habitats. The event showcased a wide selection of native plants and featured educational opportunities about pollinator conservation and the role of native ecosystems in Florida’s environment.
The certification reflects the sanctuary’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its efforts to create a thriving ecosystem for butterflies, birds, bees, and other beneficial wildlife, a news release states. Asclepias Acres continues to develop programming and plant offerings to educate the public and foster appreciation for Florida’s natural biodiversity.