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Saving Native Plants Key to Saving Butterflies
As our communities grow and development whittles away at one meadow at a time, little thought is given to the plant life that is being destroyed. Because most horticulturalist and nurseries consider plants in the wild as “weeds” (annoying species that hinder the beauty of their landscaping) a lack of appreciation causes even the plant savvy community to ignore the removal of plants in these wild and/or neglected areas. Wildflower enthusiast often treasure only the flowering plant species, knowledgeable of plants, but unaware of their value to various species of wildlife. And even fewer knowledgeable environmentalists can be found who can identify butterflies and understand their dependency on local plants.
“Native” plants have habitat needs as well. They are the plants that are unique in your community (or common throughout) based on the type of conditions present in the natural landscape. Temperature, soil types, water and moisture needs, to name a few, can all determine what “native plants” call your community home.
When learning to identify butterflies, their host and nectar plants, it is important to recognize that various species require different types of habitat, other than your garden.
For example, there are butterflies such as the Elfins and the Northern Pearly Eye that are found mostly in woodland areas. The Northern Pearly Eye doesn’t require nectar. They lurk in the shadows, perch on tree trunks and eat sap or even carrion (decaying animals). Some species, like the Baltimore Checkerspot, may be found primarily in wet, marsh-like damp meadows. Whether the environment is wet or dry, forest or open meadow, garden, flowering roadside or neglected lot, the plant life will differ and so will the butterflies species you’ll find there.
It is important that we, whether we are butterfly farmers, researchers, educators, community leaders, or concerned citizens, learn more about the native plants in our community. It is important that we learn to identify the various types of habitats located within our communities. We must understand that the plant life present is directly related to the survival of butterflies.
If wild “native plants” are destroyed without being recognized as host/nectar plants, then both plant and butterfly species will disappear from our landscape. Since butterflies are admired by a large sector of the community, it won’t be difficult to make a difference in the preservation and conservation of native plants and butterflies in your community.
1. Simply become aware of the different habitats within your area.
(Easily done while driving through the community! Fun!)
2. Learn to identify the butterflies that depend on such habitats.
(Go butterflying at numerous sites within your community! Fun!)
3. Research and become knowledgeable in “host” and “native” plants found in your
community.
(Browse through local wildflower books and/or Google numerous websites
that show photos and help identify plants in your area. Fun!)
4. All the while, begin talking with friends, neighbors, nursery professional, etc. Raise
their awareness of the habitat preservation needs in the area.
(No need to picket city hall…just increase the community’s awareness… one person
or club at a time. Fun!)
5. Enlist the help of scout groups, schools, civic or garden clubs in rescuing key host
plants by removing and transplanting selected plant(s) protected sites.
(Always get the permission of the property owner, developer, etc. at the rescue site
and the transplanting site. Make each contact well in advance. You want to ensure a
positive experience for everyone involved. Your city or county’s planning office will
be able to help locate the property owner. Fun!)
The results: you will have expanded your interest in butterflies, contributed to your community, and ensured a sustainable butterfly habitat within your community for generations to come!
Article by Deborah Paschall
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Wilderness Station
Butterfly Education & Conservation Program
Mission Statement – By utilizing butterflies as the focus species, we intend to introduce and implement a wide diversity of environmental programs and projects that will benefit the natural insect, plant and wildlife community of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, while enhancing the quality of life for all human residents.
Goals:
1. To increase the general public’s interest in butterflies. To foster an awareness of butterflies, their similarities and individual behaviors, their general needs, their unique plant dependencies, habitat differences, metamorphism – similarities and differences in migration habits, etc.
2. To increase the general public’s interest in native plants. To foster an awareness of plants and the many ways they play a role in the continuation and/or development of butterfly populations in the area. To foster an awareness of native plants and the many ways wildlife is directly dependent on plants that are native to this area.
3. To increase the general public’s interest in habitat (native plant) replacement, preservation and natural sustainability. To foster an awareness of how habitats vary thus resulting in a variety of ecosystems that create unique habitat needs for plants, insects and the overall wildlife population.
4. To increase the general public’s interest in insects. To foster a broader understanding of beneficial insects and how they play an important role as predators plus their symbiotic relationships with butterflies, other insects, and pollination of native plants.
5. To increase hobby and volunteer opportunities to the general public. To increase student (at all levels of study) opportunities for student-initiated and/or research projects. To foster a butterfly breeding program that will encourage a variety of sustainable habitat projects within the community, schools, and university setting.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – 2007 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE NARRATIVE
BUTTERFLY EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAM
City of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation – Wilderness Station
Accomplishments:
The Butterfly Program began to develop slowly four years ago (Please see Program - History Timeline.) Last year, thanks to a surprise $600 donation from the Scales Elementary 4th Grade Classes, plants were purchased for the creation of a garden that would “host” the 4 phases of metamorphosis for over ten species of butterflies. The donation and the class volunteers who helped install the “Caterpillar Garden” allowed this program to leap years ahead of schedule, putting the staff and the related programs into the fast lane! The park’s administration supported the butterfly program this year by matching the school’s donation of $600, allowing the addition of selected nectar plants. The results: a well-rounded butterfly habitat that has supported over 38+ species (skippers not included) of butterfly visitors and “hosted” 13 species that provided eggs, caterpillars and chrysalis for observation. The “Caterpillar Garden” has played a vital role in the sustainable butterfly population overall. Because of the unprecedented April freeze and the long summer drought, both host and nectar plants have suffered in the wild. The garden has become a welcome oasis for many, including a stray, long-tailed skipper, and rare garden visitors – the goatweed and the zebra swallowtail.
Thanks to Eagle Scout Ben Pobst, a second giant leap was made into butterfly education and conservation programs. An attractive 6’x 4’x 2’ mobile display case (the “Butterfly Changing Station”) was constructed and located on the front porch of the Wilderness Station. Since July 24, 300+ caterpillars/chrysalis have been protected there and hundreds of park visitors have enjoyed viewing the exhibit marked with interpretive signs and photos. Two hundred thirteen adult butterflies were released from July 24 – Sept. 6. Numerous other caterpillars have pupated into their overwintering phase.
Success:
(1) With the “Caterpillar Garden” in place, educational program opportunities emerged allowing the staff to discuss butterflies, one-on-one, with approximately 562 people this summer.
(2) Dozens of visitors enjoyed self-exploration of the garden and the “Butterfly Changing Station.”
(3) A PowerPoint presentation, “Beyond Metamorphosis,” highlighting butterflies photographed in the “Caterpillar Garden” has been developed for year-round opportunities to teach butterfly identification, behavior, and habitat needs.
(4) A multimedia presentation complete with music has been created and utilized on Murfreesboro’s “City Cable 3” TV, a highly viewed and award-winning local news and events station, thus promoting butterfly awareness and conservation to City of Murfreesboro residents.
(5) A hands-on mobile exhibit, displaying the four phases of a metamorphosis, was created to accommodate special events and large groups. The exhibit highlights each phase by viewing and comparing eggs under a microscope, comparing different types of caterpillars within containers, comparing mounted chrysalis and providing a close-up, handheld view of adult butterflies within a screened enclosure. This exhibit has been utilized at the city’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration and at the Children’s Discovery Center’s Educator’s Resource Fair.
(6) A “How to Create a Butterfly Habitat” brochure was developed promoting habitat basics. A thousand plus brochures have been distributed over the past two years.
(7) A “Butterfly Breeding Project” was conducted on an experimental basis this fall.
The learning process has prepared the staff to begin the project earlier next year when more host and nectar plants are available.
Plans are to implement techniques learned while attending a “Butterfly Farming Workshop” at one of Florida’s largest butterfly farms this past spring. As a member of the “Association for Butterflies,” this same staff person participated in a “Disease Prevention” course on-line.
The staff has gained enough knowledge to develop future conservation projects, education programs, and to cosponsor research projects. Student-based research projects opportunities are also available through various organizations including Monarch Watch and Journey North/South. Dr. Andy Brower, MTSU Entomology Professor, has been contacted and offered assistance with any future research projects he might have. This is Dr. Brower’s first year at MTSU and in the Murfreesboro area. His specialty is Lepidoptera.
Why Does This Project Deserve an Award?
To our knowledge, after visiting numerous butterfly houses, farms, research facilities, and museums, AND after hours of internet resource development, we have not found anyone anywhere in the U.S that has offered a mobile exhibit offering hands-on experience and viewing of all four stages of butterfly metamorphosis (including more than one species to use in comparison). To our knowledge, no one in Tennessee is offering this type of extensive butterfly education and conservation release program. To our knowledge, no one in Tennessee is utilizing butterflies as a focus species for introducing the need of “native plant replacement, native plant protection, and native plant sustainability”. (See Mission Statement) To our knowledge, no one in Tennessee is developing a butterfly breeding program for the purpose of education and conservation. The possibilities, overall educational and environmental benefits, are unlimited.
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation – Wilderness Station
Butterfly Education & Conservation Program History/Timeline:
(1) 2003 – Staff replaced evergreen landscaping adjacent to the building with 8 butterfly bushes (buddleia).
(2) 2004, a “Native Plant” Garden (with some butterfly emphasis) was created. The funding was provided by the Rutherford County Beautification Committee.
(3) In May of 2006, Scales Elementary School’s 4th grade classes, donated $600 to the park. It was used to create a “Caterpillar Garden.” Plant selection for this new garden included the “Host Plants” that provided for a minimum of ten butterfly species. Students and teachers volunteered with the garden’s installation.
(4) In the summer and fall of 2006, “Caterpillar Hunts” were program favorites attracting participants of all ages.
(5) In the fall of 2006, Scales Elementary invited the Wilderness Station staff into the classroom(s) providing the opportunity for staff to take the “live” specimens of 3 out of 4 phases of the monarch’s metamorphosis (the caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult) on the road. Approximately 120 students and their teachers participated.
(6) In the winter of ‘06-‘07, a PowerPoint presentation, “Beyond Metamorphosis,” was compiled.
Photos were taken in the “Caterpillar Garden”. This program, a first of a planned series, discusses the uniqueness of individual butterfly families and the simple/fun ways for learning to identify them. This PowerPoint presentation was presented to the Tennessee Trails Association, Murfreesboro Chapter, and the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park. The program has been invited to participate in the Tennessee State Parks “Friends” Conference, but unfortunately declined due to a scheduling conflict.
(7) An abbreviation of this PowerPoint presentation was put to the music of Jana Stanfield, a recording artist famous for her empowering motivational speeches. The music selection was entitled “Butterfly” which states in a beautiful ballad, “do not fear change….anything is possible”…“if fat fuzzy worms can fly.” This PowerPoint presentation was utilized on the City of Murfreesboro’s Award Winning Cable 3 TV station. As an additional awareness program, and as a promotional piece, the 5-minute spot encourages booking programs and other butterfly opportunities for schools, clubs, scouts and civic groups.
(8) In the late winter of 2007, butterfly host and nectar seeds were propagated for spring planting in the garden(s) and in large pots located on the Wilderness Station’s front porch. Nectar plants located on the porch lured butterflies even closer to the visiting public and provided the first food source to adult butterflies that would later be released back into the wild.
(9) The 2007 season: March programs included butterfly hikes that searched the wilderness area for “Orange Tips & Rock Cress” and “Zebras & Paw paws.”
(10) May of 2007, annual nectar and host plants were added to the “Caterpillar Garden.” The “In the Garden” program scheduled for each Wednesday in June, July, and August began drawing large numbers of participants (up to 70 one day!). Not even the 106 degree weather kept butterfly enthusiasts away. Visitors attended from Mt. Juliet, Antioch, Madison, Hohenwald, Columbia, Springfield, Brentwood, and of course, Smyrna, Lavergne and Murfreesboro. In early July, with a bit of rain and record high temperatures, numerous species began to appear and erased the fear that the spring freeze and summer drought had severely damaged the butterfly population.
(11) Members of the North American Butterfly Association offered a hike/program at the Wilderness Station which was attended by 23 participants. The butterfly identification hike was conducted solely at the “Caterpillar Garden” with compliments being given to Wilderness Station for doing a great job in the garden’s plant selection and in the labeling of host plants (with the signs/labels including the name of the butterfly species the plant would attract).
(12) As the pre-entertainment venue for the city’s annual “July 4th Celebration under the Stars,” the usual face painting, games, etc. were provided by the Parks and Rec. Staff. This year, a well received addition to the entertainment included the new “Butterfly Conservation Program Exhibit.” The staff harvested 4 different species of butterfly eggs (for viewing under a microscope), caterpillars (in jars sitting adjacent to each other for comparison), chrysalis mounted side-by-side, and adults. Due to the spring (freeze) shortage of adult butterflies, the department ordered/purchased three dozens adult butterflies ($250 worth + $ 45 overnight shipping) for a “hands-on exhibit.” The exhibit allowed visitors to hold live butterflies in their hand while sitting inside a screened enclosure.
(13) On August 28th, an invitation was extended for the Wilderness Station’s staff to take the new mobile exhibit to the nonprofit children’s museum (The Discovery Center) to participate as a partner in their Fall Educator’s Fair. This event furthered the growing working relationship with the Discovery Center with whom a $250,000 Butterfly House is being discussed.
(14) Since the concept that a “Butterfly Farming/Breeding” facility program is being developed at the Wilderness Station with numerous goal and objectives has begun to be known publicly, this event allowed our staff to demonstrate our ability and knowledge of butterflies to the Discovery Center’s staff. Currently, it is informally suggested that the future Wilderness Station’s facility could possibly provide half of the proposed Butterfly House’s livestock (butterflies). By doing so, the two organizations could truly compliment each other and could reduce the Butterfly House’s livestock cost tremendously. (Note: One monarch cost from $9-$12, plus $45.00 overnight shipping - regardless of the number shipped.)
(15) Rescue and Release Program. Following the busy summer camp season, the staff began rescuing and raising butterfly eggs, caterpillars and the occasional chrysalis in a (16) well-built “Butterfly Caterpillar and Chrysalis Display Case” constructed as an Eagle Scout Project. From July 24th to August 5th, 204 adult butterflies hatched and were released back into the wild. It is estimated that only 2-3 eggs out of 100 grow to become adult butterflies, which makes the Rescue & Release effort invaluable in helping this year’s butterfly population continue its sustainability.
(17) “Creating a Monarch Waystation” is the next program scheduled for September. It is being planned to coordinate with the Stones River Greenway Festival with the intention of capitalizing on the attending crowd and introducing the concept of “planting for butterflies and wildlife.”
(18) Butterflies, caterpillars and chrysalis are used often in the Wilderness Station’s ongoing programs including “Wild Things” for toddlers, “Budding Biologists,” an after-school program, and “Around and About,” a traveling outdoor awareness/environmental education program that takes place each Saturday at three different locations around the city.
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