Editor’s note: Information submitted by Kelly West; photos and article submitted by Sharon Moore.
“Love is like a butterfly. It goes where it pleases, and it pleases wherever it goes.” Author unknown.
The hope and dreams that many butterflies would visit the butterfly garden, located on the east side of the Northside School, 520 N. Genesee Street, Morrison, IL, has come true. Creation of the butterfly garden was a large group initiative between the Northside Elementary Blended Preschool’s teachers, parents, and students. Morrison Garden Club chose it for their 2020 “Featured Public Garden” this summer.
Preschool teacher, Jenni Williams wanted a learning butterfly garden for her students. When a space became available for planting right outside her classroom, she knew it was now or never. Preschool parent Kelly West loved the idea of an outdoor learning space and was so excited to jump in and help. West took the lead on seeking grant funding and garden planning, while Williams organized the parent/student planting day and began the process of incorporating the garden into the Pre-K curriculum.
A planting day event was held in the spring of 2019, with different crafts and activities, which included painting rocks to decorate the paths. Over 100 Preschool and Kindergarten students participated in the planting of the garden.
- Plants were obtained from Prairie Moon, with funds from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Schoolyard Habitat Grant.
- Native plants were donated by K & R Greenhouse of Morrison and Jan Mayes.
- George West donated oak rounds to add a touch of whimsy to the paths.
- Foresters Lawn Service assisted with moving rock to the site.
Some of the native plants in the garden are common Milkweed, Leadplant, Sand Coreopsis, purple Prairie Clover, Western Sunflower, Rough Blazing Star, common Mountain Mint, Culver’s Root, New England Aster, Coneflower, and Bee Balm. Volunteers continued working this summer with grant funds from the Whiteside Soil and Water Conservation District.
West is a member of the Morrison Garden Club. She stated the garden “has been a real labor of love, and the preschool teachers are committed to utilizing it to its fullest potential!” To ensure the longevity of the project, she will write a long-term maintenance plan. She plans to be the main caretaker of the Butterfly Garden until it is fully established.
