San Antonio adds pollinator garden at Confluence Park
On Thursday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, together with consulates from Mexico and Canada, unveiled the North American friendship garden at Confluence Park on the Southside of town, reaffirming the city’s commitment to conserving monarch butterflies.
The North American Friendship Garden, meant to represent the ecosystem ties between the three countries, is a pollinator garden, and will primarily serve as a sanctuary for monarchs during their international migration. The area is approximately 2,500 square feet and includes native vegetation such as Gregg’s Blue Mistflower and Brazos penstomen, as well as native trees and shrubs like the Anacacho orchid tree, Texas lantana, Mexican plum and more.
Officials with the consulate of Canada in Texas and the consulate of Mexico in San Antonio join officials with the city of San Antonio, San Antonio River Authority and San Antonio River Foundation at Confluence Park to commemorate the opening of the North American Friendship Garden. The pollinator garden is designed to provide a sanctuary for Monarch butterflies during their international migration, as well as crucial habitat for myriad other pollinators and migratory species. In the photo are: District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran (from left), Frates Seeligson, executive director San Antonio River Foundation, Rachel McCormick, Canadian consul general, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Ruben Minutti, Mexican consul general and Derek Boese, San Antonio River Authority general manager.
Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer
The space rests in the path of the Central Flyway, which serves as a passage for monarch’s and other pollinators moving through Mexico and into Canada.
“Working collaboratively, San Antonio partners can be proud of a legacy of conservation and natural resource protection. From the Edwards Aquifer, to the Bracken Cave Preserve, to the Hardberger Park Land Bridge, and now the North American Friendship Garden, we are investing in natural solutions that support our native wildlife,” says Mayor Ron Nirenberg in a press statement.
“I am grateful to our neighbors who are joining us in this effort to ensure a sustainable future for all.”
The idea for the garden initially sprouted through San Antonio’s ties to UNESCO, after the city’s official designation as a city of Gastronomy. Since pollinators play a crucial part in cultivating the food we consume, the garden was a natural fit. In 2015, the city also signed the National Wildlife Federation Mayors Monarch Pledge, making San Antonio the first city in the nation to become a “Monarch Champion” in a national effort to build pollinator habitats.
A butterfly is spotted at Confluence Park as officials with the consulate of Canada in Texas and the consulate of Mexico in San Antonio join officials with the city of San Antonio, San Antonio River Authority and San Antonio River Foundation to commemorate the opening of the North American Friendship Garden on Thursday, June 24, 2021. The pollinator garden is designed to provide a sanctuary for Monarch butterflies during their international migration, as well as crucial habitat for a myriad of other pollinators and migratory species.
Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer
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The garden finally materialized with help from organizations like the San Antonio River Authority, who developed the garden itself, and the San Antonio River Foundation, who enlisted local artist Gary Sweeney to flourish the space with colorful benches.
A butterfly is spotted at Confluence Park as officials with the consulate of Canada in Texas and the consulate of Mexico in San Antonio join officials with the city of San Antonio, San Antonio River Authority and San Antonio River Foundation to commemorate the opening of the North American Friendship Garden on Thursday, June 24, 2021. The pollinator garden is designed to provide a sanctuary for Monarch butterflies during their international migration, as well as crucial habitat for a myriad of other pollinators and migratory species.
Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer
JUNE 24, 2021: Consuls from Canada and Mexico join Mayor Ron Nirenberg and representatives from local conservation organizations at the opening of the Confluence Park friendship garden.
Courtesy of the San Antonio River Authority
JUNE 24, 2021: Consuls from Canada and Mexico join Mayor Ron Nirenberg and local artist Gary Sweeney at the opening of the Confluence Park friendship garden.
Courtesy of the San Antonio River Authority
“The Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk is a shining example of urban ecosystem restoration that was made possible through the successful collaboration of multiple entities and the North American Friendship Garden is yet another example of the great things that can be accomplished when we all work together for a common goal,” says River Authority General Manager Derek Boese in a press statement.
Both consuls from Mexico and Canada expressed excitement at the collaboration and commitment to investing in pollinators that impact all of North America’s biodiversity.
The new garden is now open to the public, at Confluence Park, located off 310 W. Mitchell Street.
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