Area elementary students recently welcomed butterfly friends in their classrooms as part of an annual program through the Southwind Extension District.
The Painted Butterflies Larvae Project was offered virtually this year at schools and libraries across four counties in the Extension district.
Carla Nemecek, Southwind District director, has conducted the program for the past 14 years. This year, 22 classes participated.
Teacher Melinda Ferguson, at Marmaton Valley Elementary School, said her students welcomed five butterfly friends: Heart, Susie, Sunny, Minnie, and Rudolph. They were ready to fly in just 16 days.
“They were telling us they wanted to fly free, and they were ready. All day they were flapping around the habitat practicing for their flight” Ferguson said.
Any class or organization interested in the butterfly program, should contact the Southwind Extension Office at 620-365-2242 to schedule a program.
