Butterflies will take flight in area classrooms

Classrooms and community supporters are once again signing up to take part in one of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival’s most beloved programs: raising butterflies alongside students and sharing in the wonder of transformation.

Each year, the Mariposa Butterfly Festival’s Butterfly Education Program brings live butterfly larvae, habitats, and age-appropriate educational materials directly into classrooms, giving students the rare opportunity to witness the full life cycle of a butterfly up close. From tiny caterpillars to chrysalises and finally the emergence of wings, the experience leaves a lasting impression on children and educators alike.

Lois Kelker, a teacher at Coulterville Elementary School, shared her experience with the program: “It has been a wonderful surprise for the students when the chrysalis is forming, and a wonderful miracle when they arrive in the morning — butterflies are emerging from the chrysalises. An amazing sight for the students.”

At El Portal Elementary School, Laura Ouborg says the impact reaches beyond science lessons.

“My students love observing the caterpillars become butterflies. When they are released, they are elated when it comes to watching them fly away. It helps my students to understand life cycles and learn vocabulary. We are very appreciative of the experience.”

Behind each of these classroom moments is a significant effort to source, prepare and deliver thousands of butterfly larvae every year. As with many educational programs, costs have risen.

Butterfly larvae, habitats and instructional materials have all increased in price, making community support more important than ever. To help offset these costs, individuals, businesses and organizations can sponsor a habitat for $50.

Habitat sponsorships directly support the cost of butterflies raised in classrooms and ensure that this hands-on learning experience remains accessible to students throughout the region.

Pamela Gross, Education Program Director for the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, emphasized the importance of keeping this experience rooted in the classroom.

“Bringing butterflies directly into classrooms allows students to slow down, observe and truly connect with the natural world,” said Gross. “This program isn’t just about science — it’s about curiosity, care and creating moments that students remember long after the butterflies take flight. We are deeply committed to making sure every child who participates feels that sense of wonder.”

Classrooms and community supporters can sign up by visiting www.MariposaButterflyFestival.com and selecting the “Join Us” tab. Teachers may register their classrooms to receive butterflies, while businesses and residents can participate as community supporters by raising butterflies or sponsoring a habitat.

Kimberly Vaughan, President of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, shared her gratitude for the partners who help keep the program thriving.

“We are incredibly thankful to our sponsors and supporters who continue to make this program possible,” said Vaughan. “We are especially grateful to Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, PBS, Mariposa Gazette, Recology and the many businesses and organizations who place this program as a priority for our youth educational experience. As residents of this stunning place, so close to nature, we feel it’s important that our children’s education reflects our love for the world around us.”

Added Vaughan: “This program also instills a sense of community pride in our town’s namesake — Mariposa — and reminds us that caring for our environment begins with the next generation.”

With another season of butterflies preparing to take flight, the Mariposa Butterfly Festival looks forward to welcoming new classrooms, community supporters and habitat sponsors for a year filled with learning, joy, and shared wonder.

For more information or to participate, visit www.MariposaButterflyFestival.com and click on “Join Us.”