Our Story

Emma's Butterfly Ranch was founded in 2000 when I, Darryl Swartz, joined forces with my close friend Emma to channel our shared passion for Monarch butterflies into a business aimed at enhancing knowledge and awareness about these delicate creatures. While Emma’s interest waned after about a year, my dedication only grew stronger, especially after a devastating storm struck the Mexican Monarch sanctuaries in mid-January 2002, decimating a large portion of the population. This event underscored the vulnerability of the Monarch, even in vast numbers, and galvanized my commitment to the butterfly business. I dove into it full-time, augmenting our efforts with extensive educational materials to aid in the conservation of the Monarch butterfly. The ranch also educates the community, offering life cycle kits to schools and inviting visitors to the on-site butterfly pavilion where the dance of delicate wings captures the beauty of transformation. At Emma’s Butterfly Ranch, every flutter is a step towards conservation, every visit a journey into the heart of the environment, making it a place where the magic of nature is always within reach.