About
Blinque's Butterfly Garden is a woman-owned, queer-owned family business based in the Northside neighborhood of Cincinnati. We have sought out local businesses to supply our operation and we primarily use native plants for our nectar and host plants. It's impossible to raise butterflies and not see the effects of climate change, so we strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible in everything we do.
Jen Lichtefeld, Owner
Jen grew up in Northern Kentucky and obtained her Bachelor's in Natural Science and Technical Communications at the University of Louisville, where her primary area of study was ecology. She moved to Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood just before the pandemic. During the pandemic, she found a love for gardening. One day Jen found a caterpillar on some legumes harvested from her garden and decided to raise it. One caterpillar sparked the passion for Lepidoptera that led to Blinque's Butterfly Garden!
Jen's family helps with many different parts of running Blinque's. There are several behind the scenes tasks being completed by her partner and her two children. Most importantly, her oldest, V Lichtefeld, is the artist behind the logo and banners. V is usually helping to man the booth at our live events, but also assists with nearly every aspect of the business. Our four family dogs also help protect the butterflies and caterpillars.
Disease Prevention Certified Breeder
"By purchasing butterflies from farmers who display the seal on their website, you can have confidence that these farmers have completed the course, practice disease prevention through good rearing practices, and know how to keep their stock clean and healthy by recognizing signs and symptoms of unhealthy stock. You are ordering from a knowledgeable, informed professional who understands what to watch for and can help you feel good that you are receiving healthy butterflies or caterpillars."
Associations
Association for Butterflies Member
"Association for Butterflies is a dynamic trade organization committed to providing valuable resources for professional butterfly farmers. As the industry leader in butterfly education since 2004, AFB is dedicated to equipping butterfly farmers to raise the healthiest, most vibrant butterflies possible."
International Butterfly Breeders Association Member
"The IBBA is an international, non-profit, membership-based trade association promoting high standards of ethics, competence, and professionalism in the breeding of quality Lepidoptera for all purposes. We accomplish this through research, grower education, market development, and habitat conservation and restoration."
- IBBA