New Butterfly Garden at Naples shelter

On Aug. 15, 2024, The Shelter celebrated the dedication of the new Butterfly Garden at the Naples campus. The garden is the Eagle Scout project of Lola Estrem, of Troop 2001. Although Lola was not able to attend the dedication, she was represented by her parents Kitsi and Colin Estrem, long-time supporters of The Shelter. Also in attendance were Morgan Hila and Amy Evans of the Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation and Shelter garden volunteer Karen Fitzgerald. Long-time Scout Leader Steve Utz shared his support for Lola on behalf of Scouting. A lovely Monarch butterfly also stopped by to express her thanks.

Shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus shared these remarks:

“The butterfly has long been one of the most beloved symbols of The Shelter, so it is fitting that we stand here today, celebrating the creation of this beautiful butterfly garden, designed and created by Scout Lola Estrem and funded by the Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation.

We are grateful that Lola chose The Shelter as the location for her Eagle Scout project. Her parents Kitsi and Colin are dedicated supporters of The Shelter, and she wanted to give back to an organization that has been so important to her family. Lola conducted research on what kind of plants and butterflies are native to Florida and worked with Shelter volunteer Karen Fitzgerald, who oversees our gardens, to come up with a design for the butterfly garden. With the help of her fellow Scouts from Troops 2001 G & B, Lola’s dream to create a place of beauty and peace became a reality that will serve The Shelter for many years.

We are grateful to Lola and the Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation for their commitment and support of The Shelter.”