A.J. McLellan Elementary students release hundreds of butterflies at city celebration

Photo credit: City of SurreyMore than 250 students from A.J. McLellan Elementary gathered at Surrey Centre Cemetery last Wednesday to release hundreds of butterflies as part of the City of Surrey’s eighth annual Butterfly Release Celebration.

The event was the culmination of a weeks-long learning initiative that saw 11 classrooms raise butterflies from egg to chrysalis to adults. The program allowed students to get a first-hand look at the life cycle of a butterfly and the impact they can have on the world around them.

During the event, students also heard about the impact butterflies can have on gardens such as those at the Surrey Centre Cemetery, and how the larvae can provide food for birds and other wildlife which, in turn, allows that wildlife to help keep gardens free from pests.

“The idea behind the event is to teach children about the cycle of life and enhance connections between the community and the neighbouring cemetery,” said Yalda Asadian, manager of community enhancement for City of Surrey. 

A.J. McLellan vice principal Amberly Wittenberg said the experience was a great way to wind down the school year and students took a lot away from participating in the initiative.

“Having the opportunity to experience the butterfly life cycle, from egg to release, gave the students an understanding of metamorphosis in a decidedly more profound way,” said Wittenberg. “The speaker at the release celebration brought the themes of care, community, and positive change to our students in an accessible and meaningful way and our students thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the butterfly garden. They all came away from the event looking at it as a highlight of the school year!"

To learn more, visit the City of Surrey’s website.

Photos courtesy of the City of Surrey.