A few people have asked me where to go to look at butterflies. I've gotten some strange looks back when I tell them to go to the Coconut Creek Police Station.

Coconut Creek declared themselves the butterfly capital of the world, and they've worked very hard to live up to the title. Their government center, located on the south west corner of Lyons and Copans, is loaded with butterfly host and nectar plants.

On the parking lot side of the building, you'll find all sorts of butterfly plants. Be sure to check out the vines on the fence on the far right as you face the station entrance; you'll probably find Zebra Heliconian, Julia Dryas, or Gulf Fritillary butterflies laying eggs there.

After you've walked the gardens and found the butterflies, go around the north end of the building and check out the pond; I've seen some great wading birds there.

As you leave, take the north exit and look across Copans Rd. There's a white wall with blue trim on both sides of North West 49th Terrace. If you turn in there, you'll find Cypress Park. It's a nice little hideaway with a butterfly garden, and a great place to have a picnic lunch in the shade after you've walked the butterfly garden at the police station in the sun. If you're making a day of it, Fern Forest is nearby too.