Pelican Preserve residents recently installed solar lighting throughout the community’s 17,345-square-foot butterfly garden – known as Crooked Garden – expanding nightly visiting hours until midnight.

The lighting system is powered by a quartet of 80-watt polycrystalline solar panels that collect the sun’s energy during the day and charge four 12-volt deep-cycle marine-grade batteries. The batteries power 42 LED low-voltage bulbs in solid brass lighting fixtures to illuminate garden paths and structures from dusk to midnight.

The lights debuted to a round of applause during a recent cocktail reception sponsored by WCI Communities, which is developing the 55 and better lifestyle community in Fort Myers. The lighting project was a collaborative effort among staff and residents; a Pelican Preserve couple anonymously donated funds to purchase the system; and two electricians installed it.

Since the inklings of a garden first appeared several years ago, the Crooked Garden has become an ongoing partnership between residents, WCI and Pelican Preserve staff. WCI donated the land and frequently provides materials and maintenance crews to help with upkeep.

In addition to financial contributions, residents also volunteer to help with planting and weeding and have built many of the garden’s footbridges and trellises right in the woodshop at Plaza del Sol, Pelican Preserve’s amenities center. Residents of the Bellagio neighborhood donated a pergola with a cedar swing and teak benches.

The solar-powered lighting contributes to the Crooked Garden’s eco-friendly features. Pavers, salvaged during the demolition of a temporary clubhouse, were donated by WCI and reused at the garden’s entry. Two water features, one with a waterfall, redirect and circulate water from the garden’s lakes system.

The Crooked Garden, an idyllic locale for weddings and anniversary celebrations, is a popular place to watch the sunset, meet for conversation or enjoy downtime surrounded by nature. Stone-lined paths meander throughout the garden, passing small ponds, a brook and vine-laced pergolas and trellises. Wooden benches appear in areas affectionately called Shady Hideaway and Scenic Overlook, with views of Crooked Pond.

Nameplates, also donated, identify the garden’s plants – more than 100 species carefully chosen to attract a variety of butterflies. Forty types of butterflies have been born in Crooked Garden; a dozen or so visit on any given day.

The Crooked Garden has been certified by the National Wildlife Federation and North American Butterfly Association. Noted lepidopterist Robert Pyle visited in 2008 during his yearlong quest to document the 800 different butterfly species in the United States and Canada. He mentions the garden in his 2010 book, “Mariposa Road: The First Butterfly Big Year.”

The Crooked Garden is one of many lifestyle-enhancing amenities at Pelican Preserve.