For the last year, a volunteer committee has quietly been exploring the idea of creating a butterfly garden in the center of town.

Although at least a year out before garden construction is started, two organizers recently discussed their vision for the project. They described the idea a “Garden of Flying Flowers.”

Town residents Nancy P. Stahl and Allyn Wright said they have applied for 501 (c) 3)status. Once in hand, they will begin raising funds from private donors, approach the town council, and secure grants from butterfly-related organizations.

Their goal is to initially raise $50,000 to create a handicapped accessible garden with a variety of flowers and shrubs that would provide food for both the adult and larval stages. Shad structure and a sitting area could become a venue for community events as well as meditation and contemplation.

“We love butterflies. We see there is a depletion of their species and it is continually going down,” said Stahl. A long-range objective is to make Fountain Hills a butterfly destination, she added.

The garden would focus on Sonoran desert butterflies and monarchs. The population of monarch butterflies has dropped by 80 percent because of land development, she said.

“Butterflies just need food, water, sun and shade, with a safe place to raise a family,” according to the committee’s initial press release.

The selected site equipped with water and electricity lies between Morningstar and Park Place, both developed by Bart Shea of Shea-Connelly. He has approved the concept and has offered the use of earth-moving equipment to create the garden.

“Everybody we have talked to, not one person has said ‘No’,” said Wright.

“I wanted to get involved in something different,” said Wright, a private investigator. “As soon as she (Stahl) started talking about it, my ears perked up. When I was a kid, I used to collect butterflies,” he said.

Releasing butterflies for weddings, anniversaries and funerals could be a possibility.

“There’s all kinds of ideas coming forth,” said Stahl. “We can come up with all different types of scenarios for uses of the garden.”

Joining their efforts is Joe Gear, who they call a “Butterfly Guru.” He has cultivated an extensive butterfly garden at his home.

Anyone interested in becoming involved with the volunteer group can contact Stahl at 602-999-4222 or rredrockonfire1@gmail.com; Wright, 480-749-1211, foxahall31@gmail.com or Gear, 480-686-1128, fyrefly1@gmail.com.