Cianelle Tahirí Pérez Larregui, a 15-year-old student at Escuela Superior Dr. Carlos González in Aguada, has proposed building an inclusive butterfly sanctuary at her school to promote conservation of the Puerto Rican monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus portoricensis).
The sanctuary, measuring 32 feet by 24 feet, will have a greenhouse-like structure with mesh to protect the butterflies from pests and harsh weather, and will feature host plants like algodoncillo and calotropis, as well as native nectar-rich plants. The sanctuary will be designed to be accessible, with wheelchair-accessible paths, educational signage, observation areas, and sensory experiences for people with disabilities, seniors, and students of diverse abilities.
It will also serve as an outdoor laboratory where students can observe the complete life cycle of the Puerto Rican monarch butterfly. The project aims to promote conservation and community engagement, and will be open to the community for coordinated visits.