Monarch butterflies are considered one of the most beautiful creatures, but many people are unaware of the sharp decline that many butterfly species have endured in the last few years. Timberlane’s own Sustainability Club wants to put a change to that. 

Monarch butterfly populations have been decreasing nationwide due to the loss of habitat, pesticide use, climate change, and the declining amount of milkweed plants that are necessary for offspring and food. Connecticut Magazine details that: “Milkweed is the key to all this because milkweed leaves are the only food monarch caterpillars will eat.” With less of these plants, the population will cease to continue. 

Annabella Lafond, a co-chair of Sustainability Club, was quite happy to comment on the fundraiser’s purpose and environmental benefit. “We are raising money by creating and selling bracelets that have donated and recycled materials from our club members. We decided on utilizing the funds to help the butterflies since there is a noticeable trend leading towards endangerment for different species and not many people are aware.” Each bracelet is composed of old ribbon, string, beads, and non-reusable shopping bags from local retailers and businesses like Market Basket, Shaws and TJ Maxx. 

Timberlane’s Sustainability Club plans on using the funds to purchase native flowers and milkweed to help the local pollinators. Bella continues: “It is extremely vital to spread awareness and action towards the fact that the butterflies are dying out and hopefully prevent them from becoming extinct, before it’s too late. Not many people were aware of this, that’s why it’s necessary to bring this to our peer’s attention.” Sustainability Club will be selling their bracelets very soon in order to spread awareness and gather funds to help plant native species to aid any kind of butterfly on its natural journey

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If you are interested in helping the club create the garden and help with the watering schedules, reach out to Dr. Jocelyn Muller, Annabella Lafond or Jordan Christian. The club meets in room 118 every tuesday at 2:15, and is always accepting new members to help with future roadside cleanups, research, and the garden.