Hosting Butterflies

07/14/2026

Hidden in plain sight.

Often times we become so focused on what we want to see,

In this case the flowers,

That we lose focus of the things around us,

In this case caterpillars, bugs, and other insects,

Until eventually we lose sight all together of the value of what does not stand out,

In this case the foliage.

The beauty that lies within the foliage is unmatched,

Foliage ability to sustain its own life and the lives around it, no matter how beat down it gets, is humbling at best.

Never underestimate the power of a plant.

07/13/2026

Yesterday, after finding a cicada exoskeleton, my nephew and I both agreed we would like to see one before it emerges. Within 15 min of being home, a nymph was spotted “marching across the steps.
I not only watched, but assisted, in the very first stage by gently holding its abdomen while its legs stiffened.

Once her legs were able to grip my fingers, she started to inflate her wings with the excess fluid from her abdomen.

Her green clear wings looked like glass. What an amazing expierence!

What a wonder this is!

06/22/2026

Sneak peak

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ47MO6A51P/?igsh=bW1odHZ6dXZzYW82

05/23/2026

There’s been no shortage of excitement this week!

My first ever successfully raised Cecropia moth! After 6 years of trying…my day was complete!

04/25/2026

Do not rely on Ai without fact checking…

12/06/2025

09/20/2025

Guess how many seed pods were harvested from 4 of my 3 year old orange butterflyweed plants???

09/02/2025

If you like feeding birds, look this guy up.

He’s got some great books about keystone plants and trees. I’ve learned a lot from books.

I just got
How Can I Help?
The Living Landscape

I’ve read
Nature’s Best Hope
Bringing Nature Home

On a trip to Mexico to see where the Monarch’s migrate someone told me about him. I’ve went from wanting to plant things for caterpillars to planting for all wildlife.

I didn’t understand how important my role was to the caterpillars and definitely did not know a caterpillars role in nature until reading his books.

I highly recommend reading if for nothing else, knowledge and understanding of how crucial caterpillars are to all wildlife and human life.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15znfa8sAb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Have you heard? Author, ecologist, and conservationist Doug Tallamy is coming to Grand Rapids on September 14th for an inspiring evening focused on biodiversity, native plants, and the future of our shared environment. The event is free for all ages!

The amazing will have signed books available for purchase at the event!

Whether you're a longtime advocate for native plants or just beginning your journey in ecological gardening, this evening promises to educate, inspire, and connect our community in meaningful ways. Reserve your free ticket today!

This special event is a collaborative effort made possible by:
• • • Eastern Avenue Church • • • • • •

Don't miss it!

1000 Sherman St
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

5:30 PM – Doors open, signed books available for purchase
6:30 PM – Keynote by Doug Tallamy
7:30 PM – Panel discussion with local leaders and conservation partners

09/01/2025

Today was a lot of firsts for me!

I’ve raised a lot of caterpillars and released a lot of native butterflies and moths.

But today, on this last day of August, I experienced my first:
🌱 garden tour
🛥️ pontoon boat ride
🔥 campire,
✨ fireworks
⭐️ star gazing…
…with a Monarch 🦋 on my head…nature accepts me as their own 🤣😜😍

08/31/2025

These seed pods really captured my interest yesterday. Here’s a few of my favorites. More to come