Ashley Trail and Butterfly Garden

Our north area features a Butterfly Garden, which is in full bloom during the months of May and June, an outdoor amphitheater, the Ashley Trail, and our Seminole Chiki which overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Ashley Trail is a great place for a relaxing walk-through nature. The Butterfly Garden attracts many species of butterflies including monarch, sulphur, and zebra longwing (Florida's state butterfly).  Explore the mangrove forests along the Ashley Trail, some of which is accessible by Mobi Mat ADA Beach Access Mats, down to an authentic Seminole Chiki overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

Our authentic Seminole Chiki was built in five days over an existing platform. It was constructed with approximately 5600 cabbage palm fronds harvested using methods to produce growth. The Chiki now serves as an outdoor classroom for our school and public programs. The Chiki overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway where you may catch a glimpse of a manatee, a heron, or a juvenile sea turtle.

No wading, swimming, or fishing is permitted. No sunbathing, picnicking, or smoking.

hut near water on ashley trail
entrance to the Gumbo Limbo butterfly garden