At Wisconsin’s Redgranite Correctional Institution, a unique conservation project has emerged over the past two years. The initiative, known as ‘Refuge for Growth, Change and Inspiration,’ involves inmates raising at-risk monarch butterflies, contributing to the survival of these insects as they migrate to Mexico.
Carrie Jahnke, an organizer from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, started this program in 2025 to provide meaningful tasks for inmates who cannot engage in sports. It began with 60 caterpillars but has quickly expanded into a specially designed facility within the prison. Currently, around 20 inmates participate, working in shifts from June to September to care for the butterflies.
In collaboration with Monarch Watch and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, the inmates manage all stages of the butterflies’ early life cycle. Their daily tasks involve feeding caterpillars, gathering fresh milkweed, tracking egg data, monitoring chrysalis development, and carefully tagging adult butterflies. This hands-on experience not only aids researchers with important tracking information but also teaches inmates about horticulture and pollinator ecology.
The conservation efforts extend beyond the facility as prison landscapers have created flower beds that are friendly to monarchs. Once the butterflies mature and rest for a few days to regain their strength, they are released into the wild. For the inmates, caring for these butterflies is a meaningful way to engage with nature and contribute positively to the environment.
Inmates like Nathan Lecker find personal significance in their involvement. He recalls raising caterpillars as a child and appreciates the opportunity to give back to the community. He noted that the program allows them to make a substantial impact from inside the prison walls. As the butterflies embark on their journey to Mexico, they symbolize a message of renewal, highlighting how both the environment and individuals can thrive when given the opportunity to grow.
What are your thoughts on prison involvement in conservation efforts?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Raquel Teixeira