A Lifelong Passion for Butterflies
Mark's fascination with butterflies began at the age of seven when he witnessed a Monarch emerge from its chrysalis in his grandmother's organic garden. That transformative moment sparked a lifelong passion that would eventually lead to the creation of Butterfly Acre—an organic butterfly farm dedicated to sustainable conservation.
With over 20 years of experience in lepidopterology (the study of butterflies and moths) and organic farming practices, Mark has dedicated his life to understanding, protecting, and sharing the beauty of these remarkable creatures. He holds a Master's degree in Entomology and is a certified organic farmer, specializing in creating pesticide-free habitats for native butterflies.
Experience & Expertise
- 20+ years studying butterfly behavior and ecology
- Certified Organic Farmer and Master Gardener specializing in pollinator habitats
- Published researcher in butterfly migration patterns
- Educational program developer for schools and nature centers
- Conservation consultant for local and state environmental agencies
- Speaker at national butterfly and pollinator conferences
- Expert in pesticide-free, regenerative farming methods
The Power of One Acre
In 2015, Mark founded Butterfly Acre with a simple yet powerful mission: to prove that just one acre of organic land can create a thriving butterfly sanctuary. The name "Butterfly Acre" isn't just a name—it's a statement. This single acre demonstrates that you don't need hundreds of acres to make a profound impact on butterfly conservation.
Working with just one acre, Mark transformed what was once ordinary land into a certified organic butterfly haven that now welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Butterfly Acre operates on strict organic principles—no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers are ever used. Instead, Mark employs regenerative farming techniques, companion planting, and natural pest management to create a thriving ecosystem.
This single acre serves as living proof that whether you have a backyard, a small farm, or even just a balcony garden, you can make a difference for butterflies. The farm is both a sanctuary for native butterflies and a living classroom demonstrating how organic agriculture supports biodiversity—all on just one acre.
A Family Affair
While Mark leads the vision and educational programs at Butterfly Acre, the farm is truly a family operation. Together with his family, they manage every aspect of the farm—from planting and maintaining the organic butterfly habitats to leading tours and workshops. This family-run approach ensures that every visitor experiences the genuine passion and care that goes into maintaining a single acre of certified organic butterfly paradise.
Generations of butterfly farming - a passion passed down and shared across the family
Butterfly farming isn't just about the butterflies—it's about the connections between generations. Just as butterflies go through multiple generations in their migration cycle, our family's dedication to organic butterfly conservation spans generations, with each bringing their own knowledge and passion to this single acre.
The Butterfly Acre family team - proving what one acre and one family can accomplish together
Organic Conservation Work
Beyond the farm, Mark and his family are actively involved in promoting organic farming as a cornerstone of butterfly conservation. They participate in the Monarch Butterfly Migration Monitoring Program, contribute to citizen science initiatives, and work with local schools and farms to transition to organic, pollinator-friendly practices.
The family believes that education combined with organic farming practices is the key to conservation. Every visitor who leaves the farm becomes an advocate for pesticide-free, regenerative agriculture that supports pollinators.