Leonardtown’s Butterfly Trail Turns First Friday Into Interactive Family Adventure

Members of Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, the St. Mary’s County Garden Club and University of Maryland Extension gather at their “Native Plants for Healthy Yards” booth, promoting pollinator-friendly landscaping and native species.

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — On May 1, Leonardtown’s First Friday took on new life along the Butterfly Trail. The hum of conversation, the laughter of families and the quiet flutter of wings came together in an experience that felt both simple and deeply meaningful.

With curiosity leading the way, The BayNet set out to explore the Town of Leonardtown’s Butterfly Trail, a colorful, interactive walk through art, nature and community. What began as a casual downtown stroll quickly turned into something more: a reminder that even the smallest creatures can connect people in powerful ways.

The trail winds through Leonardtown’s historic district and toward the waterfront, blending vibrant murals, pollinator gardens and local landmarks into a self-guided experience designed for all ages.

Visitors browse booths and learn about pollinators along Leonardtown’s Butterfly Trail during First Friday.

Along the Butterfly Trail: Stop #11 “Where Art and Agriculture Meet” in L Town Alley.

A Stop Where Art And Nature Meet

One of the most memorable stops along the trail came at Stop #11 — “Where Art and Agriculture Meet” in L Town Alley.

There, the energy shifted from simply observing to truly engaging.

Set against a backdrop of bright colors and imagery celebrating farming, local produce and creativity, several community groups had gathered, each one playing a role in strengthening Leonardtown’s pollinator-friendly future.

Families had the opportunity to meet representatives from:

Wild Ones — Promoting native plants and natural landscapes
St. Mary’s County Garden Club — Offers education in design, environmental studies and horticulture
University of Maryland Extension – Native Plants — Increases awareness about the importance and benefits of native plants
Students from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center, who created a hands-on Butterfly Bingo
Visit St. Mary’s, helping guide residents and visitors through the experience

Students from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center display a butterfly and caterpillar bingo board, part of an interactive activity designed to help visitors identify native species along the Leonardtown Butterfly Trail.

Students from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center holding paper butterfly origami they made.

Visitors participate in a hands-on butterfly coloring activity hosted by Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay during Leonardtown’s First Friday event, highlighting pollinator education through interactive art.

Representatives from Visit St. Mary’s and their informational booth along the trail, connecting with local organizations working to promote tourism, conservation and community engagement.

Left: Bill Smith, vice president, and Marlene Smith, president of Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay.

Bill and Marlene Smith hold a proclamation from the St. Mary’s County Commissioners recognizing May as Native Plant Month. The proclamation is displayed during Leonardtown’s First Friday event, highlighting the importance of native plants in supporting pollinators, protecting ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability.

The scene felt less like a stop along a trail and more like a small community hub where education, creativity and environmental stewardship came together in real time.

Children eagerly participated in activities, while adults paused to ask questions, learn about native plants and gather ideas they could bring back to their own homes.

Why Pollinators Matter

At the heart of the Butterfly Trail is a message that goes far beyond murals and photo opportunities.

Pollinators, including butterflies, bees and other insects, play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They help plants reproduce, support biodiversity and contribute to the overall resilience of the environment.

By creating pollinator-friendly spaces, communities like Leonardtown are doing more than beautifying public areas, they are actively supporting wildlife and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the natural world in meaningful ways.

The trail itself highlights native plants such as milkweed, bee balm, black-eyed Susans and wild sunflowers, all chosen for their ability to provide food and habitat for pollinators throughout the growing season, reminding us that even small gardens can make a big impact.

Helping bring the trail to life, many of the native plants now growing along the route were donated by ButterflyAlley.net, a native plant stand operated by Carrie Krier.

Below are pictures of some of the native plants that keep pollination alive in Maryland:

Turning A Walk Into An Adventure

For families, the Butterfly Trail offers more than just a scenic walk, it transforms downtown into an interactive adventure.

From searching for hidden butterflies and caterpillars along the trail to playing games like Butterfly Bingo, kids are encouraged to explore, observe and connect with their surroundings.

The experience naturally weaves together art, science and storytelling, making learning feel effortless.

And on First Fridays, when the town is already alive with activity, the trail becomes an added layer of discovery, inviting visitors to slow down and look a little closer at the world around them.

A Community In Bloom

Leonardtown’s Butterfly Trail is, at its core, a reflection of the community itself.
It highlights local artists, supports small businesses, promotes environmental awareness and creates space for connection, not just between people, but between people and nature.

For The BayNet, what started as a simple butterfly spotting outing became a moment of appreciation for the town, for the organizations working behind the scenes and for the tiny pollinators that quietly keep ecosystems thriving.

Because sometimes, all it takes is a walk through town to be reminded that growth, beauty and resilience often begin with the smallest of wings.

A Trail With More To Explore

While the BayNet visit focused on Stop #11, “Where Art and Agriculture Meet,” the Leonardtown Butterfly Trail features a variety of stops throughout downtown, each offering its own blend of art, history and pollinator-friendly spaces.

According to the trail brochure, the experience begins and ends at the Old Jail Museum & Leonardtown Visitor Center and includes notable locations such as Tudor Hall, Moll Dyer Rock, Leonardtown Wharf and several murals along Fenwick Street, Washington Street and Park Avenue.

Additional highlights include the Butterfly Parkette in L Town Alley, the “Alice in Leonardtown” mural and local destinations like The Good Earth Natural Foods Company and the St. Mary’s County Arts Council.

Each stop is designed to connect visitors with different aspects of Leonardtown, from its history and waterfront views to its growing focus on native plants and pollinator habitats.

For those exploring the trail, Stop #11 is just one piece of a larger experience that encourages visitors to walk, discover and engage with the town in a new way.

The Leonardtown Butterfly Trail is free and open to the public. Visitors can explore featured stops, murals and pollinator gardens throughout downtown.

To learn more, visit VisitLeonardtownMD.com.