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News Brief

June 18, 2025 |  By: Gavin McGough

Butterfly migration route on Missouri's Highway 13 Butterfly Trail

Butterfly mural in Gallatin, MO

Hamilton, Missouri is home to a little Butterfly park. City Resident and a co-founder of the Hamilton Community Alliance Bob Hughes says the flower filled meadow is a small welcome center for pollinators passing through the state on huge migration pathways.

Hughes says, "Western Missouri is the natural migration path for over twenty different species of butterflies. It is also home to a number of bees and then hummingbirds also travel north and south through this area."

Western Missouri, says Hughes, also has tourism offerings, attractions, and historic communities which could contribute to the local economies. Hamilton, for example, is famed for its quilting tradition, billing itself as 'Quilt City USA.' Hughes said he and other community members saw an opportunity.

Hughes adds, "So our thought was let's combine these two things to create an ecotourism spot that will enhance the polinator pathways and at the same time serve as an economic development tool."

The Highway 13 Polinator Pathway Project was born. Communities all along Highway 13, from Bethany to Branson, are working to develop a vibrant pathway of flowers, tourism attractions, and branding for the initiative. Hughes says it doesn't take much to get involved. Start by choosing some plants and starting a garden!

According to Hughes, "You can also narrow it down to which flowers grow best in your area or zone and encourage other people to do the same. You can reach out to the Missouri Extension Office in your area and you can also contact the Department of Conservation."

You can also support the project by purchasing a Butterfly Trail Barn Quilt Sign, and find more information about the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail online.