Butterfly Sanctuary: CHJ’s latest eco-tourism attraction

Everyone who has visited Camp John Hay in Baguio City knows the vivid greens and rich browns of its majestic pine tree forest. Recently, even more colors have enlivened the nature preserve, thanks to CJH’s very own Butterfly Sanctuary, its latest eco-tourism attraction.

The Butterfly Sanctuary is located at the topiary garden that was known as the "Little Mermaid Garden." Built by American soldiers many years ago, the bronze mermaid statue is now surrounded by hundreds of lovely butterflies. The garden is an ideal spot for the winged beauties. They are provided plenty of sunlight and morning dew, sheltered from the wind by pine trees and protected from predators by the mermaid’s green net.

The 500-square meter sanctuary houses seven species of butterflies: the Large Tree Nymph; Great Eggfly; Common Mormon; Plain Tiger; Clipper; Checkered Swallowtail; and Lemon Migrant.

Visitors will be delighted with the proliferation of the winged beauties. The sight of butterflies "flower-hopping," pairing off for courtship, or simply resting on a leaf is truly a wonderful experience. Attracted to the salt from human perspiration, they even perch on visitors’ hands sometimes.

The sanctuary was created in line with Camp John Hay’s concept of development: preservation and enhancement of nature. Indeed, the butterflies flying unfettered and free capture the colorful and vibrant spirit of Camp John Hay.

For more information, email marketing@campjohnhay.com or visit www.campjohnhay.com.