Bethpage State Park Ecology

Last month, Mrs. Wright, a local elementary school teacher, contacted me asking if Bethpage State Park was a suitable location for Painted Lady butterflies. Without hesitation, I replied "IT SURE IS!" One area I made sure to mention was our massive, public pollinator garden. Extending along the entire length of our picnic area, this habitat was created by staff and volunteers with the sole purpose of providing forage and shelter for pollinators! Of these species we aim to protect, is of course, the native Painted Lady butterfly.  I guess this had been the answer Mrs. Wright was hoping for because just like that, we began organizing a field trip for eighty students (with a specific mission in mind). Up until now, students had been rearing Painted Lady Butterflies in their classrooms. Having just witnessed  the emergence from the pupal stage, these new butterflies needed to be set free in a natural environment. What better location than at Bethpage State Park?