Metamorphosis is both a biological process and a metaphor for the lives of the citizen-scientist inmates of Mission Creek. In short:Incarcerated women at Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women are raising Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, an endangered species, as part of a conservation effort. The program, a collaboration with The Evergreen State College and Washington State’s Sustainability in Prisons Project, aims to bolster the dwindling populations of this key species. The work provides the women a sense of purpose and connection to the larger environmental restoration effort, highlighting the importance of nurturing and conservation even in unlikely settings. Innovative partnerships and dedicated individuals can make a significant impact on conservation efforts.

Source: New York Times February 28, 2024 13:34 UTC