Help increase the number of butterfly species at Everglades National Park by planting, pruning and mulching a butterfly garden Saturday at the Gulf Coast, Everglades City Visitor Center.

The work begins at 9 a.m.

It's a great opportunity to experience the park -- and contribute to improving the natural resources in the Everglades City district of the park.

Nationwide, butterfly species have become rare, threatened or endangered because of a decrease in habitat and plant species diversity.

Many people and organizations, including homeowners, businesses and state and federal agencies, are working to increase the size of the butterfly population by planting gardens that have native plants known to attract butterflies.

Everglades National Park has recently started a butterfly garden at the Gulf Coast, Everglades City Visitor Center.

You can help by planting, pruning and mulching on Saturday.

Then you can revisit to see the progress and how the garden has attracted butterflies to feed and propagate.

Call Jackie Dostourian, volunteer coordinator, at 305-242-7752 or e-mail Jackie_Dostourian@nps.gov, to learn more about the volunteer work day or to obtain directions to the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

She will also be able to tell you other volunteer opportunities if you can't make it Saturday.

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