For 90 years, the Junior League of Waco has proudly served the Waco community, and in celebration of this milestone year, the League is honored to present a special gift to our city.

JLW is proud to provide seed funding for the refurbishment of the Butterfly Garden at Cameron Park Zoo, a space the League originally established in 2005. Designed to attract butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds native to Central Texas, the garden will soon be refreshed as a serene, educational, and fully accessible destination for today’s families.

Planned improvements include:
• ADA-accessible pathways and widened stroller/wheelchair access
• ADA-compliant picnic tables and expanded seating
• A new fountain with colorful beads to attract migrating butterflies
• Three interactive sensory beds for children
• Reinforced fencing, refreshed native plantings, and vibrant annuals
• Pergola refurbishment and updated educational signage

This project is made possible in partnership with the McLennan County Master Gardeners, Baylor University’s Occupational Therapy Department, and Green Ackors, with an anticipated reopening in late Spring 2026.

The Junior League of Waco has partnered with Cameron Park Zoo since helping pass the original 1989 bond election to build the zoo. Since its opening in 1993, JLW has contributed more than $175,000 toward educational graphics, exhibits, and programming, including launching Zoo Adventure Camp in 1994, and supported the 2000 bond election that led to the Brazos River Country expansion.

Located in the Post Oaks Savannah/Blackland Prairie region of the Brazos River Country exhibit, the Butterfly Garden will once again offer a peaceful place of beauty, learning, and connection for generations to come.

Through projects like this, the Junior League of Waco continues advancing its vision that all women and children in our community are equipped to thrive and reach their full potential while giving back to McLennan County.