Butterfly Projects

Thanks to the Bayoneto family, we will soon have butterflies hatching in our room! We have observed the caterpillars form their chrysalises and are now anxiously awaiting signs that they will soon emerge in their new state. This is always such an amazing transformation - each year I do this, I am as awe-struck as the children about the mysterious ways of nature.

This afternoon, I will be reading a picture book called Butterfly Count. This is a story about the Nora Belle Prairie Restoration Project, and their efforts to bring back back a magnificent type of butterfly that hasn't been seen in a long time. The book has beautiful information and pictures of all sorts of different butterflies, including the type we are hatching - the Painted Lady.

After reading, I hope to get the children to start thinking about ways we can attract more butterflies. We will be using two of the four raised garden beds to plant prairie-type flowers that attract butterflies and other insects. As I said in an earlier email, I will probably be going to Matthaei this weekend (see below), but I know there are other places as well. This would be a lovely weekend "homework" project - you and your child could research plants that are native and that attract butterflies, and then purchase one.

Please let me know if you are able to do this, so I will have a clearer idea of what I need to get. And thank you so much!

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum

Want to attract even more hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to your summer garden? Come to our Gateway Garden Annuals Sale & Fundraiser at Matthaei Sat. & Sun., May 14 & 15 and buy some great plants, grown and nurtured right here.