All book proceeds go toward supporting Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden at Texas Woman’s in Denton.
Photo of the book cover is courtesy of Texas Woman’s University.
In a time when pollinator populations are facing critical threats, “How To Make a Pollinator Garden (Como Hacer un Jardín Polinizador)” aims to provide practical advice for children ages 6-12 to help sustain the species. The new bilingual picture book in English and Spanish, written by Camelia Maier, a professor at Texas Woman’s University, provides step-by-step guidance on creating pollinator-friendly gardens and explains the vital role pollinators play in our environment.
Available online and in hardcover at twu.edu/butterfly-garden for $21.39 plus shipping, the book helps young readers to understand and actively support pollinators through accessible scientific instruction and colorful illustrations, a Texas Woman’s press release stated. All proceeds benefit the Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden at Texas Woman’s, helping to protect pollinator habitats on the TWU campus and beyond.
Although this book is written for children ages 6-12, it offers helpful guidance for adults interested in transforming part of their yard into a pollinator habitat, a university press release stated.
Butterfly and pollinator gardens are important for many reasons, primarily because pollinators play a vital role in food production by pollinating crops. In essence, they help provide food. Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and climate change, the press release stated. In urban areas, pollinator habitats are often fragmented by concrete, buildings, streets and highways. Gardens not only support food production but also add beauty and bring vibrant greenery, flowers, butterflies and bees to surroundings.
Maier, a molecular biologist and the director of the TWU Herbarium, brings her expertise to the book, drawing from her experience in plant biology, ecology and pollinator relationships. Design and illustrations are by Chelsea Flores and Kathryn Kelly, both graphic design majors, under the guidance of Sheli Petersen, a professor of graphic design & illustration. Maria Serrano, a professor in Texas Woman’s biology division, translated the book into Spanish.
The Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden is recognized as an official Monarch Watch waystation, providing essential resources such as milkweeds and nectar plants that support monarchs throughout their migration cycle, as well as a certified Wildlife Habitat.