|
|
|
|
|
First Butterfly of the Year at Backyard Butterflies
|
White M • Observed on March 12, 2025
|
March 2025 Edition
|
|
|
I hope this first of the season newsletter finds you well and in good spirits after what felt like a long and cold winter. A lot has happened this winter that I think needs to be shared concerning my health and how that impacts this year's plant sales and events.
|
Since the fall I have been experiencing a series of health issues that have yet to be fully resolved. It started with having surgery at the beginning of October. Though I was on medication to prevent a provoked blood clot, my body being what it is, I still developed a blood clot in my leg. Then while still recovering from surgery, I cracked my largest molar that required surgical extraction. While I was recuperating from both surgeries, in time for the Christmas holiday, I began experiencing new symptoms. I lost 10 pounds without even trying -- didn't feel like eating, nauseated, general GI aches, fatigue and weakness. I thought I had picked up some virus and eventually it resolved itself enough without seeing my physician. However...
|
A month later, on the day before I was to fly out to Seattle to visit family, I realized my symptoms had returned and this time matched with a urinary tract infection. I was able to see my primary care physician. She was concerned about how many UTIs I have had as well as some of the numbers from blood work that test kidney function. She referred me to nephrology.
|
Nephrology ordered a bunch of tests, including an ultrasound of my kidneys. Kidney stones were found in both of them. Urology handles kidney stones and I'm waiting to have a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of a 24 hr urine test and treatment options for the stones.
|
|
Meanwhile, all of the blood work ordered by nephrology strongly suggests that I have Chronic Kidney Disease, and I'm at either Stage 3A or 3B. While some people are without symptoms at Stage 3, I am one of those people who does experience symptoms of decreased kidney function. I am also struggling to keep my electrolytes in balance. My kidneys are not very happy and they are letting me know. I fatigue easily, have dense brain fog, and struggle to eat and maintain my weight.
|
All of this to say that John and I are in need to volunteer help for our larger events and some of our routine maintenance. We would greatly appreciate any amount of help you are able to give through volunteering. Help is most needed with the opening weekend of the plant sale and for removing invasives and weeds from our gardens.
|
The Hillsborough Moth Crawl
|
I'm excited and thrilled to announce that the Hillsborough Garden Club has awarded us a grant to help us expand The Hillsborough Moth Crawl. We have partnered with Triangle Land Conservancy and Eno River Association who will be serving as location hosts. Our goal is to have as many Moth Stations at this year's venues as possible. If you are a backyard moth'er or know of someone who has lights, or would be interested in being a host for a Moth Station with equipment provided by Backyard Butterflies, we cordially invite you to be part of this year's Crawl! (See below for link to questionnaire)
|
Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser - Important Changes
|
We decided to change a few things concerning the Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser to better accommodate my health issues. We have discontinued the option for delivery of online orders for this season. Online orders for pick-up will open on April 1st and close on April 15th with pick-up dates starting on May 4th. This will give us a chance to fill orders before the start of the in-person sale and not be overwhelmed on opening day of the sale.
|
Though there is a lot of economic uncertainty we are committed to keeping our prices at the rates they have always been. Part of our mission is to make gardening affordable to as many people are possible. We appreciate your continued support to help us fulfill our missions!
|
P.S. Often when someone shares health related issues the response is to offer casual medical advice. When offering casual medical advice be aware that my situation is complex. I have Crohn's disease, an ileostomy, and other autoimmune diseases and conditions. I'm finding that most casual medical advice (diets, medications, hydration) about treating kidney stones or CKD isn't applicable to my situation. I do welcome hearing about your experiences with similar health issues, or your experiences with healthcare providers who provided you with excellent care.
|
|
|
|
Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our 2025 Plant collection is now available at our online shop. Some plants will only be available at our in-person sale this year due to slower than expected germination rates. The cooler winter has made a difference in how eager some species of plants are to germinate.
|
|
|
|
- Fireweed
- Lizard's Tail
- White Snakeroot
- Bi-color Wild Violets
- Pale Spiked Lobelia
- Prairie Pussytoes
- Scarlet Beebalm
|
Returning Plants for 2025
|
|
|
|
Plant Sale Important Info
|
|
|
Online Pre-orders & Pick-ups
|
- Pre-orders for pick-ups starts on April 1st and ends on April 15th.
- Pick-up dates begin on May 4th and continue on subsequent weekends of the plant sale.
|
Delivery for Online Orders Discontinued
|
|
Due to Lior's health and other contributing factors, the option for home delivery has been discontinued until further notice.
|
|
|
|
|
Spring Volunteer Opportunities
|
|
|
Believe it or not: it's time to pot!
Our winter sown seedlings are ready to be transplanted into their adoption pots for our upcoming Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser.
|
No previous experience necessary! We will show you the steps for transplanting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yank & Yeet 'til the Ground is Neat!
Our educational and demonstration gardens need a lot of TLC. We need some dedicated volunteers who love to yank & yeet creeping charlie, stilt grass, and more!
|
We will show you the weeds to pull and the plants to keep. Bring your own gardening tools if you can. We will have basic items like gloves and hand rakes available. Snacks and beverages will be on hand to keep you fueled and hydrated!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help us succeed: We have a need!
Volunteers are needed for the opening weekend of our Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser on May 3 & 4.
|
|
Knowledge of plants is helpful, but not necessary. Perks include free T-shirt and 10% discount on plants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hillsborough Moth Crawl 2025
|
|
|
|
|
Moth'ers Invited to Bring Lights!
|
|
|
|
This year's Moth Crawl is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 8:30 - 11:30 PM.
|
Hosting location this year include: Backyard Butterflies, Brumley Forest NP, and Confluence Natural Area. Our goal is to light up the night with multiple moth stations at each location.
|
|
To realize our goal, we cordially invite fellow moth'ers with lights and moth equipment to come set up a Moth Station and be a Moth Station Host.
|
|
We also need people to serve as a Moth Station Volunteer. Backyard Butterflies will provide you with the lights and equipment -- we need someone to tend to the station. No mothing experience required -- we will provide you with helpful ID sheets and resources.We also need volunteers who can provide support and assistance as needed during the event.
|
Nonprofit organizations are welcome to attend as a Moth Station Host and table during the event. All event hosts and volunteers will be given a commemorative T-shirt to wear during the event.
|
|
Learn more about the Hillsborough Moth Crawl event on our website.
|
|
|
Clicking the button below will take you to the Moth Crawl Questionnaire. The questionnaire is for signing up to bring equipment and/or volunteering at the event. Registration to attend the event as a participant will open on May 1st.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Support Our Missions
|
|
Your contribution helps us fulfill our missions of providing education, community outreach, and assistance in creating backyard butterfly and moth friendly habitats.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
