Putting Butterflies to Work
Entomologist Blair Leano-Helvey has a farm but she’s not interested in getting people into dirt. She wants them into bugs.
Six years ago, Leano-Helvey opened Idlewild Butterfly Farm, a butterfly farm and insectarium with the goal to provide sustainable biological control solutions to plant pests for private gardeners, farmers and nurseries.
“Prior to the birth of the pesticide DDT after World War II, insects were used as a way to bio-control crops,” explains Leano-Helvey. “Insectaries, or bug factories, would produce biological agents to control pest infestations. My goal is to help people return to these more natural solutions.”
Idlewild breeds regional native butterflies that are shipped to exhibits at zoos, botanical gardens and conservatories around the United States. Butterflies are also available for release at special events or as educational kits for home and classroom.
In addition, exotic insects from around the globe are reared and sold to U.S. zoos, museums and universities, and other insectariums. Led by an experienced staff of entomologists and biologists, the USDA-approved farm invites people of all ages to become familiar with, and hold, the insects.
Idlewild also sells butterfly-attracting plants and teaches gardeners how to address pest problems using natural ecologically friendly agricultural practices.
“The plants we sell are grown with the use of beneficial insects, never touched by insecticides, which is critical for their safe inclusion in a butterfly garden. We are also experienced in pest identification and working with the consumer to address their pest problems,” explains Leano-Helvey.
Idlewild’s gift shop offers insect-themed wares from American artisans and fair-trade imports: everything from butterfly wing jewelry and preserved insect specimens to home goods, children's books and toys, unique gifts and butterfly life-cycle kits.
Idlewild is hosting “Butterflies of the Night” during the Moth Ball, the celebration of National Moth Week, July 23 and 24, 6–10pm. Want to visit? Summer hours are Tuesday–Friday 10am–2pm and Saturday 9am–2pm.
Idlewild Butterfly Farm
1100 Logan Street
Louisville, KY 40204
502-384-8953
IdlewildButterflyFarm.com
