Are butterflies supposed to be free?
Or not?

By Judy Silberstein

When the Chatsworth First Grade classes released their Painted Lady butterflies into the recently constructed butterfly enclosure, students were surprised to see the butterflies all fly out the top.

"I was sad," reported Sam, "I thought I wouldn't see them again." But Julia was happy. "They're supposed to be free. I was sad that some couldn't get out at first."

As part of their science curriculum, the first grade classes at Chatsworth School studied butterflies for weeks this June. The children described how the butterflies started as caterpillars, then wrapped themselves into chrysalides for 7-10 days before emerging as "Painted Ladies." After another two days of feeding on oranges and watermelon, the butterflies were ready for release.

In Marion Davis' class, the children raise their hands enthusiastically to volunteer all the facts they've learned about butterflies. And they are just as eager to report on questions they still have about butterflies:

What were they before they were caterpillars?
How did they form their chrysalides?
How come they like nectar so much?
How do they come out of the chrysalides?
How do they grow wings?

"These are great questions, " marvels the teacher. Sparking the children's curiosity is an important part of "hands-on" science instruction.

The butterfly project is part of a much larger plan hatched by Chatsworth First Grade teachers Naomi Gams-Tower and Alex Glass to develop an outdoor nature center and laboratory on the side of the school facing Chatsworth Avenue. The idea is for young scientists to visit the gardens regularly to see what happens to a rotting log, or observe changes in a particular bush. "They can't do that with the Rye Nature Center," explains Glass.

The first part of their plan includes the butterfly habitats with enclosed and open areas planted with perennials attractive to butterflies. Already, students observed hundred of migrating monarchs and cabbage whites visiting the open area. The woodland area should be planted this summer.

If all goes as anticipated, the next steps of the plan will be phased in with a larger district project for new landscaping around the school. A stream will spring-up in the woodland and flow to a meadow planted in the shady play area at the corner of Forest and Chatsworth Avenues. A separate area, now covered in cement, will be converted into gardens where children will grow crops.

Funding for the outdoor science center will come from various sources including a grant from the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation, a bond approved in 2001 for various work around the school district, and the district 's yearly budget.

So, how about those free-flying butterflies? Actually, explains First Grade teacher Alex Glass, the sides and top of the enclosure are designed to keep humans out, not insects in. Eventually there will be a netting to hold the butterflies.

This year, butterflies are supposed to be free.

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