The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat (HBBH) is an exciting and unique public green space in Toronto. Located in Humber Bay Park East, the HBBH is a restored outdoor area which has been designed to attract butterflies by offering nectar plants, host plants, boulders for sunning, wind shelters, water access, hibernacula (places for hibernating) and other things butterflies need to survive through every stage of life.
The goal of the HBBH is to establish a self-sustaining native plant community which will support a variety of butterfly species, while educating park users about the value of urban conservation.
The City of Toronto is committed to keeping the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat healthy and meadows require regular maintenance including mowing, planting, and invasive species control. In the summer of 2018, the City implemented targeted invasive species herbicide treatment followed by native wildflower planting.
It’s important to remember that the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat is an open outdoor space where butterflies, birds, and other wildlife come and go as they please. Many butterfly species are migratory, and plants will bloom at various times throughout the spring and summer.
The park is opening daily from dawn to dusk and offers free admission. Even if you’re not much of a nature watcher, the “Home Garden” section of the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat may appeal as a quiet place to read, sketch, take photos, or just relax.
