Southeast Volusia Audubon Society Visits Asclepias Acres

By Liz Payne Merideth, Southeast Volusia Audubon Society Newsletter Editor

Asclepias Acres owner, Damien Rockwood, and Audubon Society member Liz Payne Merideth stand in front of Asclepias Acres’ entrance proudly holding a sign marking Asclepias Acres as a disgnated garden providing plants for birds.

Ahh, summer in Central Florida—what to do when it’s 100° between thunderstorms? Make new friends and study native plants, that's what. While many SEVAS folks have skedaddled north, Robert and I are digging into native landscaping and habitat creation.

This morning found us at Asclepias Acres in Edgewater—a gorgeous 5.5-acre butterfly sanctuary and native plant haven founded by Damian Rockwood. We had a visit planned weeks ago, but had to cancel, so I reconnected again. You know you’re in sync when the reply includes a familiar photo of a brand-new Audubon Plants for Birds sign, and “Wow. I was just going to text you- this just came in!” Opportune indeed.

Recently certified as a Butterfly Sanctuary Garden by the New Smyrna Beach Garden Club, the property is alive with butterflies, birds, bees, and variety. Damian is a wealth of information, and his vision of environmental stewardship to support Florida’s natural biodiversity is moving, so stay tuned! We look forward to a terrific alliance as our SEVAS SEVAS - Plants for Birds programs and Asclepias Acres work dovetails wonderfully.

We toured, watched, smelled, touched, and photographed near everything, then left sweaty and inspired, with more than two new milkweeds.

Liz Payne Merideth