Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation has launched an engaging initiative to educate children about the importance of pollinators during Earth Week 2025. The program kicked off with a story time event focused on butterflies and bees, where children learned about the life cycle of butterflies, from larva to adult.

As part of the activities, children participated in a butterfly dance and crafted mini pollinator gardens using terracotta pots filled with a special seed mix. This hands-on approach not only made learning fun but also encouraged children to take home their gardens, fostering a personal connection to nature.

A highlight of the event was the release of 20 painted lady butterflies, which had been nurtured from caterpillars over the past few weeks. The butterflies were released in the Discovery Garden, allowing children to witness the transformation and understand the significance of conservation and preservation.

This program aims to instill a sense of responsibility in the younger generation regarding the environment. By engaging with pollinators up close, children are encouraged to appreciate their role in the ecosystem and to consider practices that support their survival, such as creating pollinator gardens.

The initiative reflects a broader commitment by Prescott Valley to enhance community involvement in ecological matters, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the local ecosystem for future generations.