Elkton Community Education Center, Butterfly Pavilion
Walk the trail through ECEC’s 4.5-acre native plant park and learn about Oregon’s multiple climate zones. Observe the life cycle of the native Monarch in the butterfly propagation pavilion and flight room. Stroll through the verdant flower and berry gardens that attract butterflies, hummers and more than 100 species of birds. Tour Fort Umpqua, a 150’x200’ hand-hewn replica of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s southernmost fur trading post.
Pick up fresh vegetables from the seasonal market garden, and splurge on hand-crafted garden art, native shrubs, and the work of local artisans in the gift shop.
Indulge in espresso, berry smoothies, sandwiches and Umpqua Dairy ice cream at the Outpost Café.
The 30-acre complex also has a large multi-purpose community building that houses a lending library with NW history reference materials and showcases the work of local artists and crafters.
ECEC is open to visitors from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s located half-way along the 66-mile Umpqua River Scenic Byway and has easy-access parking for autos, RVs, trailers and motorcycles. Accessible for limited mobility and bicycle-friendly with public restrooms, Wi-Fi, basic tools, and bicycle racks.
