Second-year students in the Product Design program are working on the Butterfly Nursery this spring! Come see their work in progress from Conrod's (mostly Tuesdays and sometimes Fridays).

As part of their Ergonomics course, the designs the students are creating must meet the needs of the user: the Living Campus volunteers who work in the gardens as well as the butterfly populations we are trying to protect.

They are working on two main things: reducing the sunlight that comes in to lower the temperature inside and they are making work tables.

Dawson’s new beetle sanctuary housed in a terrarium on the 5^th floor near the main entrance at 3040 Sherbrooke Street W. serves as a vital initiative for breeding and conserving local beetle species, highlighting the critical role these often-overlooked insects play in ecosystems.

By providing a controlled environment that mimics their natural habitats, the project supports the study and preservation of native species, many of which are essential pollinators, decomposers, and indicators of environmental health.

This hands-on endeavor not only advances scientific research but also educates students and the community about biodiversity and the threats beetles face, such as habitat loss and climate change. Through careful breeding efforts, the sanctuary contributes to maintaining genetic diversity and potentially reintroducing populations into the wild, bolstering ecological resilience.

Beyond its practical outcomes, the project fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life, emphasizing that even the smallest creatures are indispensable to the balance of nature. This is a Living Campus project, reconnecting people, community and Nature.

-Submitted by Chris Adam