This fall, 100 Painted Lady butterflies found temporary homes across Dawson and beyond as part of the Sustainability Office’s annual butterfly adoption program.

A total of 35 individuals and groups participated in the Fall 2026 initiative, fostering caterpillars through their remarkable transformation into butterflies. Students and employees observed every stage of the process, creating moments of wonder, learning and connection.

For Dipti Gupta of Cinema | Communications, the experience is one she eagerly anticipates each year.

“What a joy it was to once again be part of nurturing the chrysalises and witnessing the magical transformation into butterflies,” she said. “It is an activity that I look forward to participating in.”

This year, Dipti cared for one group of four chrysalises in the Cinema | Communications area and another at home, where neighbourhood children were able to share in the experience.

“The entire process is a beautiful reminder that transformation takes time, patience, care and love,” she said. “Watching these delicate creatures emerge and spread their wings is a truly special experience, one that inspires wonder and reminds us of the beauty of Nature.”

According to Jennifer de Vera of the Sustainability Office, the program’s value extends beyond raising butterflies.

“It is a nice welcoming project that brings the community together at the beginning of every Fall semester,” she said. “It is so nice to see employees gathering and chatting around their pop-up tent or seeing students peeking through the 4A.0 Volunteer Centre window checking in on the progress of the caterpillars.”

Jenn describes the butterfly tents as temporary gathering places where people reconnect with one another and with Nature.

Among this year’s highlights was the opportunity for students to release butterflies in the Peace Garden. The Sustainability Office raised 12 caterpillars in the 4A.0 Volunteer Centre, and watching students’ reactions during the releases was a memorable experience.

The program’s reach continues to grow beyond Dawson’s campus. This year, caterpillars were also fostered at the Dawson Daycare and by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, helping extend the experience into the wider community.