Adopt-a-Butterfly is a fundraising initiative supporting the Alouette River Management Society. Caterpillars are adopted at just a few days old and are monitored as they transition through their life stages into a butterfly. They are then released to complete their lifecycle in the wild while pollinating all over. It is fun and educational for the whole family while supporting a local environmental charity. It is first come first serve so we recommend you reserve your butterfly adoption through the online booking form below. Butterfly pick up dates have now ended, thank you for all the support in this years fundraiser.
About the Painted Lady Butterfly
The Painted Lady butterfly is a beautifully coloured medium size butterfly. The topside of their wings are orange with thick black lines and white spots near the tips of the forewings. The underside is a pattern of black, brown, red-orange and gray with four small spots near the margins.
They are one of the most widespread of all butterflies, as they are found on every continent except for Antarctica, South America and Australia. Every spring they migrate north and unlike many other butterflies, they do not become dormant during the winter and they can’t survive heavy frosts or cold conditions, so they migrate to warmer climates in the winter.
Their habitat ranges, you can find them in all locations in the Pacific Northwest, from meadows to city parks, gardens, and at forest edge. They lay their eggs on host plants which include thistles, oak trees and nettle. When the caterpillars hatch they begin to feed on the host plants and when they turn into adults they feed on the nectar from flowers, including goldenrod, milkweed and asters.
Painted lady butterflies play a vital role in pollination, as they fly from flower to flower and transfer pollen — which helps facilitate plant reproduction, ensuring genetic diversity. They also play a key role in the food chain. Painted lady’s are eaten by other wildlife like birds, bats and spiders. If you would like to adopt a Painted Lady Butterfly to learn about their lifecycle and contribute to a local ecological charity you can adopt one through the order form below.
Adopt a Butterfly Kit – $30
Raise your own Painted Lady butterfly at home! Each kit includes a live caterpillar, food, and care instructions—perfect for families, classrooms, or nature lovers. Optional terrariums are available for $10.
Pick-up Location:
Rivers Heritage Centre, 24959 Alouette Road
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes with my Adopt-A-Butterfly kit?
Each kit includes:
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1 Painted Lady caterpillar in a secure cup with food
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Rearing instructions
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Care tips and fun facts
- A butterfly terrarium (optional paid upgrade)
How long does it take for the caterpillar to become a butterfly?
From caterpillar to butterfly typically takes 7–10 days in the chrysalis (cocoon) stage, and about 3 weeks total from caterpillar to adult butterfly.
What temperature do they need?
Painted Lady caterpillars do best at room temperature (18–24°C / 65–75°F). Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or cold areas like near windows or fans.
Do I need to feed the caterpillar?
No extra food is needed! Each cup includes a special caterpillar food that will last until it forms its chrysalis.
Can I raise more than one caterpillar together?
Caterpillars are housed individually to prevent injury or competition. If you’d like more than one, we recommend getting separate kits for each.
Can I pick up my caterpillar on a different day?
We have dedicated pick-up days to ensure each caterpillar is delivered at the right stage of growth. Caterpillars grow incredibly fast—sometimes nearly doubling in size overnight! Because of this rapid development, it’s important they’re picked up and cared for promptly to support their health and successful transformation. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to giving them the best start possible.
Do I need a special container?
The caterpillar cup is sufficient until it becomes a chrysalis. At that stage, you’ll move it to a larger butterfly habitat (mesh enclosures work great!). We offer these as an optional add-on.
What do I feed the butterfly once it emerges?
You can feed your butterfly a sugar water mixture (1 part sugar to 10 parts water) using a sponge or cotton ball. You can also place slices of fruit like orange or watermelon.
When can I release the butterfly?
24-48 hours after it has emerged from its cocoon and its wings are dry. Painted Lady butterflies are native and safe to release. You can release them on a warm dry day, or in the cover of a garden or natural area.
How long will the butterfly live?
Painted Lady butterflies usually live 2–4 weeks after emerging.
What if my caterpillar doesn't survive?
While we take every step to ensure healthy caterpillars, nature can be unpredictable. If your caterpillar doesn’t survive, please reach out and we’ll do our best to make it right.
Is this part of a conservation or education initiative?
Yes! Proceeds from the Adopt-a-Butterfly program support our conservation and education efforts, including pollinator habitat restoration and youth nature programs.
![Now Hiring: Day Camp Leader (Summer 2025)
Join the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) as a Day Camp Leader and help deliver fun, educational outdoor day camps for children and youth (ages 5–15). You'll support our Camps Supervisor and Environmental Educator while building leadership, organization, and community engagement skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in planning and delivering recreation, nature-based, and STEAM activities
- Lead campers in outdoor learning experiences
- Support communications with parents, staff, and guest educators
- Promote environmental awareness and stewardship of the Alouette Watershed
Compensation:
- $20/hour
- Mentorship from experienced ARMS staff
- Skill development in goal setting, education, and community engagement
Who You Are: You’re passionate about nature, working with children, and creating meaningful community connections. You’re curious, adaptable, and eager to grow in a supportive, environmentally focused setting.
Required Qualifications:
- Age 15–30 (Canada Summer Jobs eligibility)
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee protection
- Valid SIN and legal right to work in Canada
- Strong communication skills and love for the outdoors
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
Assets (preferred):
- Experience working with children
- Standard First Aid CPR-C/AED certification
- Knowledge of BC ecology
- Access to transportation
To Apply:
Send your cover letter and resume in one PDF to Greta Borick-Cunningham at arms@alouetteriver.org with the subject: Day Camp Leader 2025 – [Your Full Name]. Email applications only, please.
Deadline: Ongoing until filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs Program.](https://alouetteriver.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)