Copyright 2024 - ● Manatee Observation and Education Center ● 480 North Indian River Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34950-3024 ● 772.429.6266

Volunteer

VolunteerBeing a volunteer at the Manatee Observation and Education Center is rewarding. Whether looking for something fun to do,  or just to meet new friends, volunteering with the Manatee Center may the right fit for you!      Learn More

Engraved Bricks

Bricks Button

Commemorate a special date or event with your personalized engraved brick, great for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and more! More Information

Shop Our Local Gift Shop

GiftShoponlineDid you know that all sales from the Vanishing Mermaid Gift Shop support the Manatee Center? 

A [Native Butterfly] Garden Grows

The Manatee Center's native butterfly garden is a volunteer-managed pollenator garden. We strive to bring native plants, but in some cases opt for Florida-friendly plants that are very good pollenator plants. 

History of the Garden

The Manatee Center began the installation of a native butterfly garden at the Center along Moore's Creek in Spring 2017. To start, nine volunteer students drove from Plymouth State University during their Spring Break vacation to begin installation of the garden. With support from the City of Fort Pierce and donations from Home Depot, we transformed a grassy patch into the early stages of a mulched native butterfly garen.

Day 3 garden on the water               Week 2 mini fence

 

Presite Waterfront     Day 1 removing sod3

Local contractor, Consolidated Construction Services, LLC, donated the design and installation of the ADA-accessible butterfly walkway, and Harbor Retirement Associates staff donated two beautiful garden benches in honor of Lynn Simmers. The benches were designed and constructed by renowned local mosaic artist Anita Prentice. 

Walkway Day1 Walkway Day5b Walkway CompleteI

The garden serves as a local natural area to visit in Downtown Fort Pierce, as well as an outdoor educational area to learn about the benefits of plants and butterflies native to our region. 

Thank you to the following groups and sponsors for supporting our Native Butterfly Garden so far:

City of Fort Pierce  PSU logo  Home Depot    HRA Logo RGB  CCS LLC Logo

For more information, or to help support this new endeavor, please contact MOEC' Manager, Rachel Tennant, at 772-429-8597 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.