Saving all pollinators, starts with saving the butterflies. Aside from their moderate contribution to pollination, butterflies have long been used as an indicator of ecosystem health, as an ecosystem with a large butterfly population is likely to house a wide range of other invertebrates and pollinators (Why Butterflies Matter). An environment that is hospitable towards butterflies, is an environment that is also hospitable to less agreeable, but equally important, pollinators such as bees and bats. Beyond their ecological importance, butterflies hold important cultural and spiritual significance as well. Butterflies are revered in many cultures and religions around the world. They are symbols of good luck, spiritual transformation, and signs sent by loved ones who have passed on. It seems the better question is, why not butterflies?

The recent decline in pollinators has caused alarm in many different communities. Without the help of pollinators, the human diet would suffer and the agriculture industry would sustain a $153 billion loss in crop profit (Wratten et al., 2012, pg. 113). Monarch populations have been on the decline for the past 2 decades. The clearing of natural grasslands for agricultural use and urbanization has had a negative impact on butterflies, as grasslands are one of their most preferred habitats. Monarchs face a high chance of extinction, and are specifically threatened by the decline of milkweed habitat. All species of butterflies share similar threats as native flowering plants are replaced by large monoculture fields of crops (often treated with harmful pesticides) or grass in lawns .

The Grand Valley Butterfly Guild believes the best immediate action that can be taken would be the implementation of a dedicated butterfly pollination garden and habitat on campus. Not only would it help support these precious pollinators, but it would inspire and educate the public about the importance of butterflies. Our plans are laid out in detail below, but our vision essentially is a largely self-sustaining habitat on campus focused on native plants that are conducive to a healthy butterfly population on campus.

For more info on how students or GVSU can help preserve butterflies, check out the following links!

https://www.greenschoolsalliance.org/program/campaigns/pollinator

https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/pollinators-how-schools-can-help/

Using the Arboretum space on the Allendale campus, we will construct a small butterfly garden. There is a pond on the south side of the Arboretum near Au Sable Hall, that would be a perfect place to house a low-maintenance garden. The area is in full sun, it doesn’t impede the functionality of the Arboretum in any way, and it is in an area that sees less herbicide and pesticide use. We chose a range of perennials that are not only low-maintenance, but also bloom at different times. This will ensure that there is always a butterfly food source for the duration of the growing season.

By being intentional in our plant choices, we can create a self-sustaining garden that requires very little maintenance and upkeep, while still creating a beautiful and educational space on campus.

Informational stands will be placed at the garden location. They will include information about both the environmental importance, and the cultural importance of butterflies. The information will be written in easy to understand text, so that it is available to anyone.

Sample informational stands can be found to the left and below.

In order to make the garden plants easier to identify for those less familiar with these plants we have created a coloring page. The coloring page will be available at the garden space and will enhance visitors' experience at the garden.

Need some good luck? Looking for a sign? Or maybe you just want to learn more about our native butterflies. In any case, keep an eye out for these Michigan butterflies.