There are few things as relaxing as spending time in nature, and the West Virginia Botanic Garden in Morgantown is a soothing landscape of local flora and fauna. The property includes more than four miles of trails, 85 acres, and countless plant species thriving in an ever-growing series of gardens. One of the highlights is the butterfly garden.
The colorful garden is in bloom spring through fall and the fragrant flowers attract butterflies in elegant droves.
Kids and families can learn more about the different kinds of butterflies in the garden during Sunday Funday family programs and the Summer Nature Camp the Botanic Garden offers.
After enjoying the butterflies, head out into Tibbs Run Preserve, a large tract of preserved land adjacent to the Botanic Garden. The land includes Tibbs Run Reservoir which played a large role in bringing clean water to the area in the 1800s.
The preserve and the garden are the same landmass, but they've been separated in name due to different offerings. While the Botanic Gardens are filled with landscaped gardens cultivating different indigenous plants, the preserve is home to beautiful examples of deciduous, hemlock, and rhododendron forest.
Some of the trees in this area are more than 250 years old and a few species are under threat from disease and pests. The preserve offers these trees a chance to thrive in a safe and natural ecosystem.
The West Virginia Botanic Garden and the Tibbs Run Preserve make for a magical, natural oasis and an informative day trip. Visit the butterfly garden, investigate new species of flowers, and learn about forest preservation all in one beautiful place.
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