The Atala butterfly has found a new home at the Surfside Native Garden, located at 92nd Street and Bay Drive. The garden was recently expanded with plants that historically grew in the area prior to European settlement, highlighting the importance of Florida’s native flora. Among the new plantings is the coontie, which shares a mutualistic relationship with the Atala butterfly, making the garden an ideal habitat for the species.
The project was made possible through a 2025 Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden grant awarded to the Town of Surfside. New additions include Florida native wildflowers and shrubs such as beach verbena (Glandularia maritima), Jamaican caper (Quadrella cynophallophora), and American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). These plants provide essential habitat for pollinators and local wildlife while educating the public about the ecological value of native species in urban environments.
“Surfside is in a unique position to showcase resilient, sustainable coastal landscaping,” said Commissioner Gerardo Vildostegui. “This garden helps residents connect with the plants that existed here long before the Town was built while providing crucial habitat for native species like the Atala butterfly.”
In addition to its ecological benefits, the park features a pergola, bench, lending library, and sculpture, making it a popular stop for walkers and cyclists. The expanded Native Garden now serves as a demonstration site for environmentally conscious landscaping, illustrating how small urban spaces can support both beauty and biodiversity.