VOLUNTEER - Outdoor Campus East
Butterfly and Caterpillar Care
Purpose: To care for the various stages of butterflies, moths and host plants that are in on display at TOC.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Collect milkweed from our garden or from fields in the Sioux Falls area.
- Scan milkweed leaves for eggs or larvae.
- Care for butterfly eggs, larvae, chrysalis and adults. May care for moths as well.
- Release adults as needed.
- Tag monarchs in the fall.
- Care of any nectar plants that may be needed for the adults.
Requirements/Skills:
- Attend a butterfly care class to learn proper handling procedures.
- Ability to walk in the fields if interested in collecting milkweed, eggs, larvae or tag monarchs in the fall.
- Specific commitment to care for butterflies on a regular basis.
- Able to gently handle the small eggs and larvae.
- Able to gently handle larvae, chrysalis and adults.
- Provide care of host plants that are part of the display.
Training Required:
- Volunteer Orientation
- Butterfly Care Class-length of class approximately one hour. Will be held as needed to provide adequate care for our butterflies.
- Field training will be provided while collecting the specimens or tagging of the monarchs in the fall.
Time Commitment:
- A minimum of 2-3 hour shift per month. Prefer a weekly commitment.
- Need to care for the butterflies before noon if possible so they have time to digest their food before evening.
Benefits:
- A peaceful, enjoyable atmosphere to mingle with fellow butterfly enthusiasts.
- Able to work on your own or in small groups.
- Become part of a specialized team of volunteers with unique knowledge and skills.
- Enjoyment of watching the miraculous metamorphosis of butterflies and moths.
- Opportunity to experience the thrill of tagging monarchs and then waiting to hear if they are found in Mexico.
- Increase your knowledge of butterflies and moths and the plants they prefer.
