On the wings of love, Scouts boost butterflies

LAKEVILLE — The simple beating of a butterfly’s wings can lead to significant changes many miles away.

Members of Brownie Troop 77318 from Lakeville and Freetown are hoping their actions prove that the theory — sometimes referred to as the butterfly effect — does work.

The girls have been working to support butterflies. Their efforts culminated with the construction of butterfly houses to help preserve the insects and to encourage others to share their enthusiasm.

Girl Scouts want to make the world a better place, Troop Leader Michelle Hecht said, which this project reflects.

"The Girl Scouts' mission is to build girls of character, confidence, and courage,’’ she said. “These remarkable scouts took the initiative to identify a cause close to their hearts, thoroughly researched ways to make an impact, and took action. Their dedication and compassion are truly inspiring, and I could not be prouder of them.’’

The Scouts were concerned to learn that butterfly populations have been declining. 

The colorful insects face threats from a variety of issues, including habitat loss, with urban, commercial and agricultural development reducing their available breeding areas.

Several butterflies in Massachusetts are listed as endangered or threatened, including the Mustard White, Bog Elfin, Frosted Elfin, Hessel's Hairstreak, Early Hairstreak, Persius Duskywing, Dion Skipper, and Acadian Hairstreak, according to the Massachusetts Butterfly Club. 

The monarch butterfly, perhaps the most recognizable one, is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. 

The girls hope their houses will attract the butterflies and potentially boost their population.

Their choice of design reflected their interests and personalities. Animated characters, sunflowers and of course butterflies were among the themes painted onto their wooden creations. 

This effort follows another project last year, when the girls made seed bombs. These ball-shaped items can be thrown or dropped, with the goal of spreading seeds where plants can later grow.

With the butterfly houses built, the scouts now hope to be able to place them in public spaces in town.

That first step has already taken place. Some of the girls recently appeared before the Freetown Select Board to receive approval for the “house planting’’ in that community.

They may have been in an unfamiliar adult setting, but Hecht said they were persuasive. 

“The setting of the meeting at the police station was very formal, but it didn’t intimidate these girls one bit,’’ Hecht said. “They sat right in the front row, proudly introduced themselves, explained their objective, and made their case for support.’’

And now they hope their efforts have wings.