By Lesley Keays
Herald Correspondent
Tucked away in Enterprise, Eden of Wings is a 30-acre nature center where native plants and animals are prioritized to thrive.
The property functions as an innovative plant nursery, natural pollinator, and animal sanctuary under the watchful eye of owner Guy Aucoin.
Born on the Madelyn Islands in Canada, Aucoin has decades of experience in forestry. He attended LaValle University in Quebec City, where he excelled in a curriculum of sustainable forest management, environmental management/protection, wildlife habitat enhancement, and forest regeneration and improvement.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Aucoin was employed by Canada’s federal government in their forestry program.
“From an early age, I knew that working in and with nature was a personal goal,” Aucoin states.
He later worked in Temecula, California, supplying grapes to vendors for commercial wineries including Wiens Cellars, Oak Mountain Winery, and Somerset Winery.
Two months ago, Aucoin readied himself to take on a new challenge: Eden of Wings. The property features 8,000 plants and 400 species native to the area.
“Eden of Wings was my lifelong dream,” Aucoin states, “And it came true.”
In addition to botanical pursuits, Eden of Wings serves as a wildlife sanctuary. It specializes in plant life that attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other animals native to the central Florida region.
“Here at Eden of Wings, our plants - for both beginners and pros - are easier to grow because they are native to our area. There is always something new to learn in our local native environment,” Aucoin concludes.
Future plans for the nursery include a speaker program of subject matter experts. “We can educate people on how to grow native species, so plant growth will attract insects and help to preserve our ecosystem,” offers Aucoin.
Soon, Eden of Wings will be opening an outdoor Butterfly Conservatory on its grounds.
Guy Aucoin can be reached at (323) 821-2373 or on the company website at https://edenofwings.com
