Whimsical Wings Farms is rooted in a love for butterflies, nature, and community—and in the shared passion of its founders, Donna Pless and Pamela Christian.
Donna’s journey with butterflies began in 2000, when she and her late husband, Tim Pless, co-founded All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm. Tim made a bold career change to follow a dream, and he became widely known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to building All-A-Flutter into one of the most beloved agri-tourism destinations in North Carolina’s Triad region. After Tim’s passing from cancer in 2012, Donna passed the farm to her son, Brandon Aker, and daughter-in-law, Nora, who continue to carry on the family legacy.
In 2019, Donna partnered with longtime friend and fellow butterfly enthusiast Pamela Christian to co-found Whimsical Wings Farms. Their vision was to create a peaceful farm in the countryside where they could raise butterflies, educate the public, and enjoy a fulfilling path to retirement rooted in purpose and conservation.
Together, Donna and Pam designed and patented a specialized shipping box capable of safely transporting a full-grown milkweed plant—or any one-gallon plant—across the eastern United States. This innovation made it possible for Whimsical Wings to offer one of the only Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle Kits in the country that includes live Monarch caterpillars and a transplantable milkweed plant—creating a truly eco-friendly and educational experience for classrooms and families alike.
In 2021, Pam and Donna purchased a beautiful piece of land in Lilesville, North Carolina, to bring their vision to life. With endless dedication and hard work, Donna’s fiancé, Steve Morse, took the lead in building out the farm’s infrastructure—turning open land into a thriving space for butterfly education and conservation.
Today, Whimsical Wings Farms welcomes school groups, families, and nature lovers to experience the wonder of pollinators, learn about their host plants, and discover how small actions can make a big impact. The farm continues to grow with a mission to inspire curiosity, foster stewardship, and spread the magic of butterflies far and wide.