The first step in creating a Butterfly Circle is identifying the wild plants in the grass that host butterflies. We are working on a field guide to help teachers, students, parents, and nature lovers do just that! Here’s a sneak peek:
Marking their location is next. We use hot pink flags stamped with butterflies because we can’t help ourselves!
Now that you know where the plants are, you can figure out the best size and placement of the Circle.
You don’t really “need” any of these tools, other than the field guide to help you identify the plants. Although we have to admit our Butterfly Circle signs are gorgeous. They were designed by artist and graphic designer Melanie Oliva based on the gorgeous paintings Bound by Beauty commissioned by artist Kim Heise.
Tools and beautiful signs aside, it was great fun creating the Circle together with a group of people who want the best for our wonderful community. Many thanks to Mayor Sandra Harris for supporting this project, and to Village Manager Esmond Scott; Assistant Village Manager Tanya Wilson; Recreation Director Angie Dorney; Recreation Superintendent Jackie Villagran; Assistant Public Works Director Frank Ruiz; members of Bound by Beauty’s board, and of the Rebel Botanists’ Gang for coming out on a bright sunny day to help create a biodiverse and sustainable sanctuary for butterflies and other pollinators. How beautiful and important is that?
The Butterfly Circle may not look like much now, but as the wild plants within the circle begin to grow, unmolested by mowers and weed whackers, and begin to attract more and more butterflies and other important native insects, it will become a beautiful biodiverse sanctuary full of life, promise, and opportunities for education.
And we’re just getting started: stay tuned for more Butterfly Circles!
