Butterflies in Bloom at Cowes Primary

The Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) and Cowes Primary School have recently joined forces to help conserve local butterfly populations.

Incorporated into the grade 2 topic of threatened species, TSC ecologists taught the junior school  about the importance of host plants, symbiosis and the significant role butterflies play in ecological function.

This was coupled with the construction of a butterfly garden on school grounds for all students to learn from and enjoy.

Each student planted their own plant and will be able to watch ‘their plant’ grow over the years and see what butterflies it attracts.

Using their own experiences in butterfly conservation, TSC encouraged students to understand the need to safeguard populations and improve butterfly diversity through appropriate care and management, notably, by focusing on host plants and their important role in butterfly reproduction and survival.

“Host plants provide food for larvae and are needed for female butterflies to lay eggs,” a TSC spokesperson explained.

“A reduction in host plants and native vegetation due to habitat alteration and monocultural aesthetic is correlated with declining butterfly diversity.

“Unfortunately, these threats are exacerbated due to climatic changes, altering butterfly dispersal ability and range, and threatening local extinctions.”

Luckily, local butterflies can be supported through butterfly gardens.

Cowes Primary students applied their in-classroom knowledge and planted poas, acacias, everlastings, saltbush and a range of other species.

Local host plant species were donated by the Barb Martin BushBank Nursery, with each plant specific to one or many butterfly species found in the region.

This project was also supported by Westernport Water’s Community Support program which funded interpretive signage to be displayed throughout the garden.

“The collaboration between Cowes Primary School and TSC not only enabled students to think more broadly about butterflies, but improved the diversity on the school grounds and encouraged the return of local butterflies,” said the TSC spokesperson.

“Ensuring butterfly populations are maintained in local regions is critical to balance conservation efforts in saving threatened, or endangered, species.”

If you would like to support the Threatened Species Conservancy in their efforts to save threatened plants and animals from extinction please head to their website to donate or volunteer www.tsconservancy.org