We started a butterfly garden here two years ago.
Seedlings are now in the plot.
When the dainty insects arrive to feed off the transplanted flowers, the students will observe their movements and attempt to identify the different varieties. Parker likes using a hands-on approach to teach youngsters about the wonders of nature, and her efforts have been recognized. In March, she was named state environmental teacher of the year by the Maine Environmental Educators Association. The Augusta Board of Education has also applauded her years of commitment to environmental teaching at the elementary school level. Parker said she always tries to inject environmental themes into her classroom curriculum.