Children actively participated of Berteau Monarch Initiative
By Lilliam Narvaez
Numbers of monarchs have decreased over the last 20 years. Pesticides and climate change are destroying the milkweed monarchs need to survive. As responsible citizens, we can get involved by planting milkweed and nectar plants that are native to our area. Together, we can save the monarch.
I’m sure you saw lots of children running up and down Berteau Ave. during our block party. So were the monarch butterflies. The iconic orange and black markings inspired the children to visit the Monarch Learning Center, a booth prepared with the collaboration of our neighbors, with the objective to educate children with information on how to provide habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Children filled out a “Pledge” promising to plant milkweed seeds to help butterflies. At the same time, they received an envelope containing milkweed seeds for them to plant. In addition to that, children had the opportunity to read butterfly books, fold origami butterflies, color paper butterflies, get butterfly stickers and candies, get a butterfly painted on their face, learn about the lifecycle of a butterfly, watch a National Geographic monarch documentary, and the most remarkable event: the release of two butterflies, which gave them a hands-on experience they will always remember.
We hope that working together, we can improve, restore and create habitats that will invite these magnificent and endangered insects, while educating children that will inspire future scientists.
Photo Gallery: Monarch Learning Center, August 7, 2021
(click on thumbnail to view full size or download)
