Article and photos submitted by Teresa Wilson.

Nancy Galloway explaining the butterfly life cycle.

Students at Citadel Christian School in Brenham, Texas had the opportunity to learn about Monarch butterflies through two educational programs lead by Bluebonnet Master Gardener Assocation member Nancy Galloway, with assistance from Teresa Wilson and Mandy Ames, also Master Gardeners.  Both programs were held at the school on Novebmer 6, 2023.

The first program was for students in grades 1 through 4. It featured a detailed display illustrating theMonarch butterfly’s life cycle, from egg to butterfly, along with a live butterfly exhibit. Nancy, clad in signature Monarch orange top with a light brown field vest mimicing the colors of the Monarch, covered aspects of the north and south Monarch migrations, explaining the life cycle and yearly generational patterns.

Nancy Galloway leading class with Mandy Ames looking on.

Students were also given the chance to practice tagging Monarchs for research purposes, using simulated butterflies. In a practical demonstration, Nancy tagged a Monarch she caught earlier that day in her garden, with hopes that it would be found in Mexico, contributing to migration data.

Nancy Galloway talking with the class; Teresa Wilson looking on.

The second presentation was tailored for 10th-grade students who already had some knowledge of Monarchs. Nancy delved into the habits, nutrition, nesting needs, pests, and diseases associated with Monarchs. The class is now planning to create a natural area with milkweed, following Nancy’s recommendations, to establish a Monarch waystation habitat.

Nancy Galloway’s adeptness in adjusting lecture levels to suit the audience made the presentations informative. Teachers at the school also received educational packets to support ongoing learning.

This presentation was part of the Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association’s work to provide garden-related education at the school.