Young volunteers spread wings in Butterfly Garden

St. Paul’s Youth Group lends hands bi-weekly to keep space well groomed

 

IMLAY CITY — There’s no shortage of talk about making the world a better place, and for the young people of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, it’s not just talk.

All summer long, St. Paul’s youth have helped make the city’s Butterfly Garden on Third Street a much better place for creatures big and small, and for the humans that stop in or drive by.

When busy Parks & Rec Board member Cynthia Strobel took over Butterfly Garden duties, she knew she’d need some help. While she’s a whiz in any kitchen, Strobel admits her green thumb is a bit on the pale side.

City Manager Craig Horton suggested she call the youth group at St. Paul’s, the church that runs the Food for Families program where Strobel cooks twice weekly for help. It was a match made in heaven.

No devices, just dirt

On Friday morning, a half dozen St. Paul’s Youth Group members joined Strobel at the garden for their twice weekly chores. There was not a cell phone or tablet in sight.

Group Minister Kaylee Kaeding and her sister Michon Thompson joined in the efforts. Kaeding says the young volunteers are learning—and growing— along with the garden.

“Working in the Butterfly Garden this summer has been a blessing,” Kaeding says. “Tending to the soil has grown our hearts. The youth helped cultivate a space that blossomed so much natural life, beautiful flowers and wildlife for many to enjoy.”

Turns out the youth have enjoyed it just as much along the way.

“I like coming out here to have fun and help out,” says Will Thompson, 11.

“It’s nice to give back,” 15-year-old Tyler Kaeding chimes in.

Along with giving back and helping out, the chance to learn is also exciting for the young volunteers.

“I’ve learned—and forgotten—the names of a lot of the flowers and stuff here,” grins Jordyn Chandler, 13. “It’s cool to see it all come back to life.”

Ditto for Claribel Thompson, also 13.

“I’ve learned how to take care of plants; how much water they need and how to make them look better,” she says.

Thirteen-year-old Madison Kaeding says she loves being in the garden surrounded by its magnificence.

“Seeing the beauty of the plants and getting to know their names is cool,” she says. “I like coming out here and having fun with friends.”

Kaylee Kaeding says St. Paul’s Youth Group is service-minded, and eager to walk the walk when it comes to helping out.

“We remember that the world is bigger than ourselves, and to be the role models for others,” the youth minister says. “Miss Cynthia (Strobel) is a good role model, and working with here helping here at the Butterfly has helped them to learn and understand God’s creations—nothing here works the same. It’s all different and beautiful.”

They’ve also dug into the project physically, Strobel adds, which is not always pleasant or comfortable. Since summer began, St. Pauls youth have worked at the garden twice a week, consistently.

“These young volunteers battle heat, mosquitos and some early—for summer vacation—mornings to keep the garden beautiful for human and non-human visitors alike,” she says.

Along with those mentioned above, youths Joslyn Chandler, Alexander Walton, Caleb Tietz, Jacob Tietz, Deegan Case, Gavin Nasouri, Payton Hintz, Brook Winkelman, Luke Louwsma, Madison Wilcox, Connor McCollum and Brooke Lousma and adults Christa Tietz, Rachel Case, Nichole Nash, Trevor Kaeding, Diane Fahnestock, Dan Hale, Linda Kaeding, Kathleen Kurtzhals and Kelly Wilcox have tended the garden this summer.

The City established the Butterfly Garden in 2016 when the Parks and Recreation Commission worked with the City Commission to purchase the site of an old, blighted home on West Third Street. The building was demolished, and through the leadership of former Parks & Rec Chair Kelly Villanueva, the garden was created. Master gardener and retired veterinarian Jim Sillers worked side by side with Villanueva to get the garden underway. Improvements continue to be made at the garden.

The Butterfly Garden is located on West Third Street, just a block or so west of Almont Ave.