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1995
The first live tropical butterfly immersion exhibit in North Texas is hosted in the Conservatory during the State Fair of Texas. The exhibit becomes an annual attraction.
1996
The Benny Simpson Texas Native Plant Collection is added to the gardens.
2000
New name & mission statement adopted:
Texas Discovery Gardens -- "To have a positive impact on the future of Texas by teaching effective ways to restore, conserve and preserve nature in the urban environment through the use of native and adapted plants which illustrate the interrelationship of butterflies, bugs and botany."
2003
The Scent Garden was renovated with City of Dallas Bond Funds.
The Texas Organic Research Center designated Texas Discovery Gardens as the first “Certified Organic Public Garden” in the State.
Texas Discovery Gardens is chosen to be the "Taste & See" theme pavilion for the State Fair of Texas. Featured attractions include celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, the Texas Garden Railway and Take Flight, the largest live butterfly exhibit in North Texas.
2004
The Metamorphosis begins! Ground is broken for the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium.
2006
Texas Discovery Gardens becomes an affiliate of the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
2007
Phoenix I Restoration and Construction created a new front entrance, designed by Oglesby Greene, complete with a new “Texas” landscape, irrigation and walkways. A recreation of the original 1936 Bas Relief panels was installed depicting native North Texas plants and insects.
2008
Texas Discovery Gardens Conservatory and Main Building is currently undergoing a renovation process (Oglesby Greene, Architects) that will result in a permanent, year round attraction:
The Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium. On February 27, the City of Dallas approved $4,700,000 in Bond Funds for the construction. Phoenix I Construction and Restoration began the final phase of this project on March 17, 2008.
The Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium will house thousands of unique exotic butterflies and insects in a natural environment designed to educate and entertain young and old alike. It is slated to
open late summer of 2009.
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