How Huizenga Park Supports Butterflies, Pollinators, and Native Wildlife

July 29, 2026

In the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Huizenga Park offers more than a place to relax in our bustling urban center. Look a little closer, and you'll discover a thriving pocket of nature where butterflies flutter among native plants, bringing color, movement, and life to this urban oasis.

Among the most eye-catching residents of the park is the Atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala), a remarkable South Florida success story. Once thought to be nearly extinct, the Atala has made an impressive comeback thanks to the widespread planting of native species. Today, these striking butterflies, with their iridescent blue-black wings and vibrant red-orange abdomens, can be seen in impressive numbers gliding through Huizenga Park's planting beds. Seeing them thrive today, in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, feels especially meaningful.

Where Design Supports Nature.

When Huizenga Park was designed, the goal was about more than creating a beautiful space. Our team wanted to create a park that functions as well as it looks—one that invites people to gather and explore while also supporting the natural environment. The result is a landscape that's not only beautiful, but alive.

Butterflies drift through the planting beds, birds visit the trees for berries and shelter, and pollinators move from flower to flower throughout the day. Most park guests may never notice the activity, but it's there, quietly bringing the landscape to life.

What makes Huizenga Park especially attractive to butterflies is the diverse collection of Florida-friendly plants. Native species such as Wild Coffee, Simpson's Stopper, and other pollinator-friendly shrubs provide nectar, shelter, and habitat throughout the year. Together, they create an ecosystem that supports wildlife while adding texture, color, and seasonal interest to the park experience.

Placemaking in Action.

The best parks don't just give us a place to sit. They create opportunities for discovery. A child notices a butterfly for the first time. Someone on their lunch break pauses to watch one land on a flower. A routine walk becomes a moment of connection with nature.

That experience feels especially fitting near one of Huizenga Park's most recognizable landmarks: Cabeza con Mariposas (Head with Butterflies) by renowned Spanish artist Manolo Valdés. The artwork uses butterfly forms to explore transformation, beauty, and renewal. Just steps away, visitors can witness those same themes unfolding in real life as butterflies move through the landscape, pollinating flowers and completing one of nature's most remarkable life cycles.

Nature's Hidden Moments.

The next time you're at Huizenga Park, take a stroll along the pathways and spend a few extra moments exploring the landscape. You may notice flashes of blue, black, and red moving through the trees and shrubs, as an Atala butterfly enjoys our park's plants.

Sometimes the best part of a park isn't the thing you came to see; it's the thing you almost missed.

About the Author

The team behind Huizenga Park is guided by a shared commitment to fostering community, creating lasting memories, and building an exceptional park experience.

This post was written by Alex Saiz, FTLDDA's Design & Construction Director, who oversaw the planning, design, and construction of the reimagined Huizenga Park.