The Winkler Senior Centre’s final trip out to the Discovery Nature Sanctuary (DNS) Friday focused on monarch butterflies.
Teacher and butterfly enthusiast Mary Wall spoke to a mixed group of seniors and youth in the last of three on-site sessions that were part of this summer’s Intergenerational Nature Discovery Excursions program.
For years, Wall has been showing her students nature in action by bringing into her classroom caterpillars that transform into butterflies.
“I’ve always had it in the classroom, because it’s so exciting for the students. They just watch in awe, and they wait for the caterpillar to shed its skin and become a chrysalis. And then to see the chrysalis open up and see the butterfly … to see that is such a miracle.”
Hosting workshops in the community is another way she’s been able to share her fascination with monarchs, and hopefully inspire others to create a safe haven for them in their own yards.
“It’s great to put out that awareness for somebody who’s maybe just mildly interested, the way that I started at that workshop [I attended], and to see them become an enthusiast and then to share that enthusiasm and have people walking beside you and going through this together with you and learning together. It’s opened so many doors for me.”
Wall has had the opportunity to visit monarch butterfly migration sites in both Mexico and California, and to speak about her experiences at various public information sessions over the years.
Her talk last week followed earlier presentations at the sanctuary on bird watching from Al Schritt and plants from Doug Kelso.
Senior centre resource coordinator Denise Enns says the program was very well received.
“With the students and everything, we’ve averaged between 30-40 people each time,” she said, noting the kids are from the Spiritual Life Home Educators group. “The presenters have all been wonderful.
“One of our goals is to provide an opportunity for older adults to connect with the younger generation in a setting which will enhance well-being while learning about nature,” she said, adding that after each presentation youth and seniors got the chance to walk around the sanctuary together and chat.
These talks were made possible in partnership with DNS and the Buhler Active Living Centre and thanks to a grant from Southern Health-Santé Sud. Whether the excursions will be organized again next summer will depend on available funding.
The series wraps up with a presentation from DNS board chair Paul Goossen on historical local wildlife. That talk takes place at the Winkler Senior Centre on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 1:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.
