Peter Kirk Elementary second graders’ “Flutterby Butterfly Garden” was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat site.

The school’s butterfly garden was created to compliment the science curriculum for 2nd grade students. All 2nd grade students study insects and raise painted lady butterflies in their classes.

As part of the garden program, parent volunteers helped students plant seeds for annual nectar flowers to add to the garden this spring. The seeds were planted in February and are growing in the school greenhouse.

To begin the certification process, the students brainstormed and chose the name, “Flutterby Butterfly Garden.” The garden includes food plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for butterflies for the following: painted lady, western tiger swallowtail, woodland skipper and cabbage white.

The garden has two basking sites of piled rocks for the butterflies to sun. There are two muddy puddles for water. The garden is pesticide free, has a wild grassy area, and large stumps for students to sit and observe.

The plant identification signs in the garden state whether the plant is for food or nectar and for which type of caterpillar or butterfly. A Butterfly life cycle sign displays the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and adult butterfly stages.

Adult butterflies lay their eggs on food plants that their caterpillars will eat. The teachers and students hope to have all four stages represented in the garden during the year for observation.

The “Flutterby Butterfly Garden” is maintained by 2nd grade students, parent volunteers and the Peter Kirk Elementary PTSA.