Biology and Butterflies began with a love for the natural world that was passed down through family. Growing up, Angelica spent time outdoors with her grandmother, who had a deep appreciation for the life found throughout God’s creation. Their garden was full of movement and discovery, from the worms and roly-polies in the soil to insects on the leaves, birds nesting in nearby trees, and butterflies passing through the air.

Time in the garden meant noticing how every living thing played a role. Plants, insects, birds, amphibians, and the many small creatures beneath the soil all formed a living system working together. Among all the life surrounding them, butterflies were the creatures that captured Angelica’s attention the most. Their vibrant colors and the incredible transformations of their life cycle sparked a lasting curiosity.

Over time, that curiosity grew into a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and the interconnected relationships that allow ecosystems to thrive. Gardening with pollinator-friendly plants revealed how important butterflies, bees, and other species are to healthy habitats and abundant food gardens.

What began as childhood wonder eventually grew into Biology and Butterflies, a program created to help children observe the living world up close and understand the many forms of life that make ecosystems possible.

While Biology and Butterflies was inspired by the rich biodiversity found within a garden ecosystem, butterflies became the gateway through which children begin exploring the living world around them.

Through observing butterfly eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises, and adult butterflies, children are introduced to the fascinating transformations of the butterfly life cycle. These observations naturally lead to conversations about host plants, nectar plants, pollinators, and the many living organisms that share the same habitats.

By using butterflies as a starting point, Biology and Butterflies helps plant a seed of curiosity in children. As they begin to understand how butterflies interact with plants and other species, they also begin to see the larger ecosystem at work.

The goal of the program is to help children develop curiosity, respect for living things, and an appreciation for the biodiversity that supports healthy gardens and thriving natural environments.