The Hallie Christine Jackson Butterfly Sanctuary

The Hallie Christine Jackson Butterfly Sanctuary A sanctuary for Butterflies and Mental Health, created in memory of Hallie Jackson.

Another great morning at The Sanctuary! We had 6 volunteers today and a lot was accomplished in two beds and in the wild...
06/13/2026

Another great morning at The Sanctuary! We had 6 volunteers today and a lot was accomplished in two beds and in the wild area. We saw the first blooms of our cup flowers, the first of what will be literally thousands in the weeks to come. Also, caught a little plant muncher in the act, Lol. He needs to eat too, though. Next weekend we will be doing some planting most likely. Stay tuned!

A couple weeks ago, Girl Scout Troop 53588 planted wildflower seed pods they made in a section of our Hope Bed at the en...
06/11/2026

A couple weeks ago, Girl Scout Troop 53588 planted wildflower seed pods they made in a section of our Hope Bed at the entrance to the Sanctuary. Well, some of those seed pods are beginning to sprout! We are looking forward to seeing the native wildflowers they produce, as are our resident pollinators! We will be sharing their progress here on the page. Stay tuned!

Milkweed in bloom, and our first Black Eye Susan just about to pop!
06/10/2026

Milkweed in bloom, and our first Black Eye Susan just about to pop!

One of our most prevalent and beneficial native plants within the sanctuary, Wild Bergamot, also known as "Bee Balm". Wi...
06/09/2026

One of our most prevalent and beneficial native plants within the sanctuary, Wild Bergamot, also known as "Bee Balm".

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), also frequently called bee balm or horse-mint, is a hardy perennial wildflower native to North America. Belonging to the mint family, it produces distinctive ragged pompoms of lavender to pink tubular blossoms from mid-summer through early fall.
While it shares a name with the citrus bergamot orange used to flavor Earl Grey tea, wild bergamot is an entirely separate species named for its similarly complex, spicy, and herbal aroma. It serves as a vital ecological cornerstone for native wildlife and is highly prized for its medicinal and culinary versatility.

Ecological & Wildlife Value

Pollinator Magnet: The tubular flowers are perfectly shaped to attract long-tongued native bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Caterpillar Host: It serves as an essential host plant for several native insects, including the Hermit Sphinx moth and the Raspberry Pyrausta.

Winter Habitat: Native solitary bees hibernate during the winter inside its hollow dead stems. (This is why we leave the grounds alone until later in the Spring.)

A great day and turn out for our Service Day at the Sanctuary this morning. A tremendous amount of work was completed t...
06/06/2026

A great day and turn out for our Service Day at the Sanctuary this morning. A tremendous amount of work was completed to include planting, weeding and general maintenance. A huge Thank You to Rhino's Cheer Coach, team members, parents, and members of the community for all your help! Stayed tuned for our next service date.

Our coneflowers are beginning to bloom! First coneflower bloom of 2026!Coneflower (Echinacea) is a cheerful, North Ameri...
06/04/2026

Our coneflowers are beginning to bloom! First coneflower bloom of 2026!

Coneflower (Echinacea) is a cheerful, North American native perennial known for its daisy-like flowers with drooping petals and a prominent cone-shaped center, blooming in summer with colors like pink, purple, yellow, and white. These drought-tolerant plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care and providing food for birds and pollinators, including our many species of butterflies.

In addition to multiple species of butterflies, many different pollinators call the sanctuary home. Among them, the Amer...
06/02/2026

In addition to multiple species of butterflies, many different pollinators call the sanctuary home. Among them, the American Bumblebee. They are generally peaceful pollinators that will completely ignore you to focus on gathering nectar. They will only sting to defend themselves if they are directly threatened, crushed, or if their nest is disturbed.

One of our most prevalent native plants, Spiderwort, as seen in this photo, is now in full bloom. The bumblebees can be seen visiting these nectar rich flowers throughout the day. Watching them and listening to their soothing hum is known to bring about an inner peace and sense of well being.

Please enjoy them, but do not disturb them as they go about their daily lives.

Today was a busy day. We had three regular volunteers in the morning. More work was performed in the main milkweed bed a...
05/31/2026

Today was a busy day. We had three regular volunteers in the morning. More work was performed in the main milkweed bed and our second milkweed bed. Both of those areas are now in pretty good shape.

Also, we had a visit from Girl Scouts Troop 53588 in the afternoon. They planted special wildflower seed pods in an area we prepared for them, assisted us with removing weeds, and planted two of our flower boxes. We greatly appreciate all of their help! Great group of kids!

We are seeking volunteers next Saturday between 8am and 12 noon. An event is posted in the event section.

There is a saying, that if you hold a butterfly in your hand, whisper a message to them, and then release... That they w...
07/21/2025

There is a saying, that if you hold a butterfly in your hand, whisper a message to them, and then release... That they will deliver your message to a loved one in heaven...

Yesterday, just before the Show for Hope, we took a young woman named Brianna Marie over to the Butterfly Sanctuary and surprised her with a Monarch Butterfly that we had that was ready for release. Not very long ago, Brianna lost her best friend, a young woman named Shana. Shana passed suddenly and for reasons unknown. She was a healthy young woman in her mid twenties.

I know Brianna, and I know she has been struggling with the loss of her friend. We listened to Brianna as she told stories about Shana. How she was Brianna's first friend at a new school when they were younger. Of the plans they had for Brianna's son. Stories of the kind of person that Shana was, a truly kind and beautiful soul.

The Hallie Christine Jackson Butterfly Sanctuary is a place of healing and comfort, and it is our most sincere hope that as Brianna opened her hands and let this Monarch Butterfly take flight for the first time, carrying a personal message from Brianna to her beloved friend, that she did indeed feel peace, if only for a moment.

Moments like these are why we do what we do. Bringing people peace, and helping them heal.
Thank you, Brianna, for letting us share this personal moment that you shared with us. Your message is on its way... 💜🦋

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Coeburn Boulevard
Brookhaven, PA
19015

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