Laura Golinski- Monarch Butterfly Mom!

Laura Golinski is an amazing Mom- and also happens to be married to my Director of Photography- Keith Golinski- that is responsible for all the Cameras, Lighting, and Technical Direction of "Life in Bloom" - "Fun with Flowers"- our Flower Documentaries, At Home with Flowers and More! Laura- and Keith- have 3 amazing kiddos... and it was a treat to visit them at their home- out in the country- where they live on a Nature filled property- and where Laura- helps her kids- raise Monarch Butterflies. You can watch the episode with Laura, her kids and the Butterfly Nursery- in Episode #311 - Nature Centered- On "J Schwanke's Life in Bloom" here!Laura got into this several years ago- and it's a HUGE undertaking- because once you start the process- you have to stick with it and stay with it from beginning to end... that's why it's such a tremendous project- to introduce to your kids. It teaches responsibility as well as Nature Awareness, along with compassion- sympathy- and kindness. All of which Laura and Keith have instilled their amazing kids.The butterflies are attracted to the Milk Weed- that grows to profusion - at their home- and the property surrounding... Laura developed her 'system' for harvesting- and protecting the Monarch Butterfly Eggs. She noticed that Monarch Butterflies were becoming endangered and in researching the topic- found that you could help, support and sustain- the eggs, and subsequent Caterpillars... feeding them- preventing them from eating one another (yep -that happens)... and helping them safely turn into their Chrysalis - and then hatching into a butterfly- that could be released...The process is quite intricate- and commands attention- daily- sometimes hourly- to be sure- all the eggs, caterpillars, chrysalis, are safe, sound and cared for- it's definitely not something for the faint of heart- or those that lack determination- and are willing to do everything it takes to ensure the survival of the eggs, caterpillars and butterflies.https://ubloom.com/blog/2021/06/08/episode-311-nature-centered-2/I was so impressed- at the knowledge- and compassion the entire process imparted on the kids and Myself- when I made my visit to learn more about the process. Laura had purchased and maintained housing for the different stages - of the evolution. Eggs were in one location- as they hatched they were moved to a new "nursery" with plenty of food- Milk Weed Leaves- and kept well fed- so they would not turn on one another for nourishment... (this is important) ... and then allowing them to feed- grow and mature- so they can transform into a Chrysalis- (Not a Cocoon- as I was corrected by Laura's son- when I was visiting... which I TRULY Loved- that he wanted to ensure- that I understood the different between Cocoon and Chrysalis... )A Cocoon is created with a silk like fiber- that is secreted by a flying moth or butterfly- while the Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar- actually has the Chrysalis all along- and when fully developed- begins the metamorphosis into a butterfly- it's fascinating... to say the least!I was also impressed at HOW Large the Caterpillars were- they are big- and they eat a lot- that observation from Laura... she is constantly researching the internet and video websites- for more information, documentaries and "how to" processes- to maintain the utmost success for this home/Wildlife Conservation project- she uses to educate her children- and also support the Monarch Population.There's a HOW To Guide for Kids- that's available at the following Link!  There's also plenty of videos available on Youtube... Laura shares that the process is a personal journey- and warns- that you need to be dedicated... and passionate about the process... again- it takes a great deal of time and energy- to be successful and supportive to the Monarch Population. However - it's educating and emotionally fulfilling- to share with your family- and it helps create humans that are compassionate, kind and supportive of nature- and endangered species.  I have to agree- and know that Laura and her kiddos are making the world a better place- One Butterfly at a time!To begin your own journey - in saving and supporting the Monarch Butterfly Populations- we encourage you do your research- on Line- with Books, Videos and information provided by the Save Our Monarchs Association. (https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/)