Preserve the places that matter to you.

Southwest Harbor, Maine

1970

Charlotte Rhoades, a resident of Southwest Harbor, owned this property in the 1950’s. In 1970 the property was given to the town in her memory with the request that it be used as a quiet park for children and their parents.

1996 | Spring

Maine Landscape Architect Bruce John Riddell volunteered to create a plan for a butterfly garden. Suggestive of butterfly wings, he designed the garden beds to include perennials, annuals, and shrubs that are butterfly host plants.

1998 | Spring

The Pemetic Elementary School 5th grade class presented the butterfly garden project at the Town Meeting in spring 1998, requesting $8,500 for labor and equipment to create the first garden beds. The warrant article was approved unanimously.

1998 | June

The Butterfly Garden was officially opened Charlotte Rhoades Park.

2018 | Fall

Demolition work began on the old Rhoades House and construction of new Butterfly Education Barn began, including the new parking lot and expanded lawns and gardens.

2019 | June

Reopening Celebration.