The Month of March is Women’s History Month and to start it, an event was held at Gibbs Butterfly Park at 16641 Graham Street in Huntington Beach where a new plaque was unveiled on the back pillars of the park towards Summerlane highlighting Two Woman Pioneers who started restoration on the Park from 2007 to now. They are Huntington Beach Tree Society Members Leslie Gilson and Jean Nagy.
As the timeline states, in 2007 the City deleted 179 damaged trees. In 2008 On Arbor Day, more than 170 community members planted more than 700 butterfly attracting shrubs and flowers in the park’s north bed.
The first core of new trees were planted by The HB Tree Society. In October 2009, the south bed was planted and more trees were added to the Park. In October 2011, eight modern life-cycle medallions were installed around the large mosaic tile circle. The same year the large circle was restored and enhanced with the stone border. In November 2014 the migration began and continued to steadily increase over time. In November 2022 pylons at the entrance were restored and adorned with ceramic and tile artwork commissioned by The HB Tree Society and Artist Lubica Selecka. Bringing us to now March 2024, this plaque was installed to express appreciation and gratitude to all the volunteers and sponsors, who helped to turn this park into a place of serenity, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and follow the magnificent journey of the monarch butterfly.
Leslie Gilson said, “It was a labor of love after all these years.” After being in Europe for many years I came back to HB and Gibbs Park looking for Butterflies. I found a dead and dying park and was outraged by the lack of care from the city. Then presented to council the challenge to preserve protect and manage the park. Little knowing that would be my life’s work from 2007 to retirement. I learned all I could about the monarchs and didn’t stop till we had them come back after 15 years.
John Runyard, a neighbor backing to the Park, said: “I’m very pleased that Leslie was acknowledged for her hard work and dedication to this park.”
Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Pat Burns said: “The plaque ceremony at Gibbs ‘Butterfly’ Park was great. The park is a nice example of the many treasures within our city. I hope that many more of our residents discover this beauty.”
Huntington Beach Facilities and Development Manager Chris Cole said: “I’m a Neighbor to the park and was fortunate to know Norma and appreciate Leslie’s work.”
Huntington Beach Beef Palace owners Pam and Calvin Free said: “What a truly special place. We are glad to learn of all the efforts of many volunteers thru the years. The monarchs have a special overwintering site here in HB. The monarch population has been dwindling for years now. We are passionate about any way we can help reverse this trend. We belong to several Facebook groups dedicated to saving the monarchs. We have learned so much about the proper type of milkweed to plant and how to care for it. How important native pollinating flowers are for them to feed on. The lifecycle of a Monarch is fascinating. We encourage you to read about their lifecycle if you haven’t already. National Geographic just did a cover story on the monarchs.”
Son Dave of the late former Huntington Beach and Seal Beach Mayor Norma Brandel Gibbs who the park is named after, “It is pretty amazing all the work Leslie has done to honor my mom and her park, I’m thankful.”
