Three staff and five youth traveled to a Mullin farm to harvest milkweed and look for caterpillars and/or eggs. While enjoying their time outdoors, they found three caterpillars and dug up several plants to transplant at the halfway house. The caterpillars were placed in a mesh cage and are being supplied fresh milkweed every few days until they undergo metamorphosis. So far, one caterpillar has already transformed into a chrysalis!
Also, with the help of groundskeeper/horticulturist Charlie Hubbard, milkweed seeds have been planted in a wildflower patch next to the halfway house. Once the butterflies are born, they will be released to this wildflower patch. This also creates a habitat for the butterflies for years to come. Mr. Hubbard tends to the wildflower patch to ensure it is there each year.
The youth will continue to collect milkweed and caterpillars throughout the four generations in a year.
PHOTO: The youth found a caterpillar during their trip.