Butterfly Garden About 150 Years

Butterfly Garden

About 150 years ago, the psychologist Herbert Spenser wrote the book, Principals of Psychology, and emphasized the importance of "surplus energy theory" or for children to have a chance to release all their extra energy. Although Spenser's theory has long been rejected by researchers, it started the movement toward designing outdoor play areas of children. However, many of these play yards were on gray asphalt or rocks. The trees around them were cut down and the "green" of nature was non-existent.

Now it is being recognized that being with nature is just as important as having a place to let off steam. This is especially necessary, since the trend is away from children playing in their back yards or down the street at a friend's house. The concerns with safety, as well as the increased use of television and computers for entertainment and communication, have brought children into their houses and away from the outdoors. They spend less and less time in nature. Educators recognize that that the natural environment has profound effects on the well-being of children. For example, research shows that children with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are better able to concentrate after contact with nature, have higher scores on tests of concentration and self-discipline and more advanced motor fitness, including coordination and balance and are sick less often.

A butterfly garden is a very special form of nature that can be developed for children of all ages. Not only does it bring the children closer to nature, but it teaches scientific principles they can learn in school, and is a positive addition to any community's environment.

At the end of the last school year, I realized how much we needed something to put outdoors. I thought of a gazebo with walkways to the building. It would be a place for classes to meet outdoors. After a brainstorming session with my principal, he suggested that the science committee, of which I am a member, also study the feasibility of a nature habitat to enhance our four-year campus.

I took this idea to the science committee and the endorsed it. We approached the Parent Teacher's Organization with a presentation for funds. They gave us the money from a school fundraiser, which provided most of the costs. This was a great community effort, where everyone is chipping in to see what they can do for the school. The local high school built the gazebo and got the "go ahead" from one of a husband of one of the teachers to do the brick work for a butterfly garden. One of the science committee members received a $500 grant to assist with the garden.