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     I always had a love for nature, so in the winter of 2001 I decided I wanted to see lots of butterflies like I used to as a child. What would I do? I’d create a butterfly garden. That winter I did a lot of research on the internet to find out what kind of plants I would need. In the spring of 2002, I met Lois Hansen. She gave me a list of necessary plants, some native plants from her garden, and my very first two Monarch eggs. Along with the eggs, Lois brought over several books to read that were about butterflies.

    That was it. I was hooked. From then on I began reading every book I could find about butterflies. Each year, I plant a bigger variety of host and nectar plants. And every year I bring in most of the eggs I find, so that I can raise a variety of butterflies. From 2002 through 2009, I’ve raised over 2215 butterflies.

    The Detroit Free Press and the Journal Newspaper wrote articles about my butterfly garden. Mayor Sandra Cicirelli and Senator Laura Toy sent letters of congratulations after reading the articles in the newspapers.

    I’m a member of NABA (North American Butterfly Association), Michigan Entomological Society, The Lepidopterists’ Society, WAM (Wildflower Association of Michigan). I’m an Advanced Master Gardener and was awarded “Master Gardener of the Year 2007” for Wayne County by Michigan State University Extension. The Master Gardener Association of Wayne County awarded me the MGAWC 2008 Dean Krauskopf, Ph.D. Educational Outreach Award. My yard is certified by SEMBA as a Native Butterfly Garden, Monarch Watch as a Monarch Waystation, and the National Wildlife Federation as a Wildlife Habitat.

    I have given lectures at Master Gardener meetings, nurseries, garden clubs, and schools on Butterfly Gardening. I try to share my knowledge about butterfly plants and rearing butterflies with as many people as I can. We need to give back to the earth. We can do this by planting the native plants that were intended to be here. Native plants have higher nectar content than non-natives and they produce a healthy ecosystem by attracting a wider variety of birds and insects, which enhance the biodiversity.

     I was first introduced to butterfly rearing in my Biology for Educators class at Eastern Michigan University in 2001. My instructor, Tom Hodgson, has an incredible love of nature and brought in two Monarch caterpillars for the class to observe during our metamorphosis discussion. (Butterflys undergo a complete metamorphosis) After the class was over, he gave me the caterpillars to take home to my sons so they could watch the rest of the metamorphosis cycle.

    After our first butterflies emerged, we began looking for Monarch eggs everywhere we could find a patch of wild Milkweed. Because this doesnt always bring successful results, we decided to plant Milkweed in our yard. (Plant it and they will come!) As we did research on other host and nectar plants, our little patch of Milkweed grew and eventually evolved into a butterfly garden that spanned the entire perimeter of our yard. We certified our garden as a Monarch Waystation and as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

    On the credentials side, I am a certified Science teacher with a love of biology; I love nature in general including bugs, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and plants. The idea of sharing knowledge about butterfly species and growing the number of habitats is very important to me. Especially with kids!

    Brenda and I worked for the same company, in the same building, and didnt realize that we were starting gardens at the same time. She's a great resource for both plants and knowledge and were very excited about sharing our passion for butterflies with others.

     My love of butterflies started when I was a child. I was fascinated by their beauty and flight. I have always felt a closeness to Mother Earth. I am an eternal student of life, I love to learn new things, and share my knowledge. Knowledge is power!

     I was reading The Mellus Newspaper and saw a notice that a Butterfly group was forming and decided to check it out. I missed the first meeting, but have been a member since the second meeting, and have enjoyed every one. I have gained so much knowledge and met many interesting people. I have enjoyed rearing and raising butterflies, especially with my grandchildren and the kids in our neighborhood. Children are our future.

     As far as what I bring to the table, I'm a Jill of all trades! I have taught Cake Decorating and Craft classes. I'm a mother of one and grandmother of 3, a biker, Girl Scout leader, volunteer, avid crafter. I have worked for a concert promoter, pumped gas, been a roadie, nanny, florist, bartender, caterer, party planner, cook, waitress, security guard, a Rennie, worked in sales and more. I look forward to the field trips, meetings, and the many activities we have this coming year.