UPCOMING ECO DAYS OF SEPTEMBER : 7TH | INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLEAN AIR FOR BLUE SKIES
BUTTERFLY CAMPUS
Introduction
The Butterfly Campus initiative aims to transform school grounds into vibrant ecological sanctuaries that nurture biodiversity while enriching the learning environment for students. Supported through CSR funding and implemented by the iNaturewatch Foundation, this project brings free, fully developed butterfly gardens to schools, especially in regions where green spaces are limited or underdeveloped.
By planting a diverse palette of butterfly-friendly native species across each campus, the initiative strengthens urban ecosystems, improves air quality, and fosters a deeper bond between children and the natural world. These gardens become living classrooms where students explore pollination, ecology, climate sensitivity, and the delicate balance of the environment.
Through awareness workshops, student perception surveys, and hands-on plantation activities, the Butterfly Campus program aims to ignite curiosity, cultivate environmental stewardship, and build long-term conservation values among young learners. Beyond ecological gains, the project enhances student wellbeing, reduces stress, and transforms school spaces into hubs of creativity, joy, and observation.
This initiative is far more than just planting gardens… it is about inspiring the next generation to heal the land, understand biodiversity, and carry forward a culture of ecological responsibility. Rooted in the vision of more sustainable cities and empowered young citizens, Butterfly Campus contributes meaningfully to global environmental goals.
Schools nominated for the project are:
1. Jamrung Zilla Parishad School
2. Mechkarwadi Zilla Parishad School
3. Shree Balaji International School
Project Overview
Project Location: 10 Schools in and near Navi Mumbai
Project Duration: November 2025 to September 2026
Knowledge Partner: Ladybird Environmental Consulting LLP
Funding Agency: Publicis Groupe (CSR Support)
Project OutcomesEnvironmental Impact
- Increase in local butterfly diversity within school campuses.
- Improvement in micro-green cover through native plantation
- Healthier pollinator populations contributing to urban biodiversity
- Reduction in local pollution and enhancement of school air quality
- Reduced soil degradation and improved habitat value for insects and birds
Educational & Societal Impact
- Increased environmental awareness among students and teachers
- Hands-on conservation learning integrated into school culture
- Improved emotional wellbeing and reduced stress among students
- Strengthened community-school connection through volunteering
- Development of nature-positive behaviour in early learners.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate ActionSDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Project Interventions
Site Assessment and Ecological Planning
Native Plantation and Green Cover Enhancement
Site Assessment and Ecological Planning
Each school campus undergoes a baseline ecological assessment to understand space availability, soil condition, sunlight patterns, and existing vegetation. This ensures context-specific butterfly garden design and long-term ecological viability.
Development of Butterfly Habitats
Native Plantation and Green Cover Enhancement
Site Assessment and Ecological Planning
Dedicated butterfly gardens are created using native nectar plants and larval host species, supporting the complete butterfly life cycle and strengthening local pollinator networks within school environments.
Native Plantation and Green Cover Enhancement
Native Plantation and Green Cover Enhancement
Native Plantation and Green Cover Enhancement
A diverse palette of indigenous plant species is introduced to improve micro-green cover, enhance air quality, enrich soil health, and create supportive habitats for insects and birds.
Student-Centric Experiential Learning
Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building
Native Plantation and Green Cover Enhancement
Students actively participate in plantation activities and garden care, transforming school grounds into living classrooms and fostering early conservation values through hands-on learning.
Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building
Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building
Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building
Structured workshops and interactive sessions build awareness around biodiversity, pollination, climate sensitivity, and ecological balance, integrating sustainability thinking into everyday school life.
Monitoring, Wellbeing, and Impact Evaluation
Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building
Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building
Regular biodiversity observations and student perception surveys help track ecological outcomes and wellbeing benefits, ensuring measurable impact while nurturing a lasting connection between children and nature.
Project Updates
Adarsh Vidya Mandir / Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha, Badlapur
Adarsh Vidya Mandir / Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha, Badlapur
Adarsh Vidya Mandir / Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha, Badlapur
Garden 10 -
The tenth Butterfly Garden was prepared on 5th Jan and completed on 20th Jan 2026 as a pollinator habitat for biodiversity learning. A Butterfly Walk & Talk on 30th Jan introduced students to butterfly diversity and life cycles. This was followed by the "Spy Butterfly-Plant Partnerships" activity at Adarsh Vidya Mandir, Badla
Garden 10 -
The tenth Butterfly Garden was prepared on 5th Jan and completed on 20th Jan 2026 as a pollinator habitat for biodiversity learning. A Butterfly Walk & Talk on 30th Jan introduced students to butterfly diversity and life cycles. This was followed by the "Spy Butterfly-Plant Partnerships" activity at Adarsh Vidya Mandir, Badlapur, where 34 students from Classes IV-V in 8 groups observed and recorded butterfly-plant associations, spotting species like Lime Blue, Common Pierrot and Lime Butterfly, ending with an interactive discussion on host and nectar plants.
Shree Balaji International School, Kalamboli
Adarsh Vidya Mandir / Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha, Badlapur
Adarsh Vidya Mandir / Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha, Badlapur
Garden 9 -
Completed on 3rd Jan 2026 at Shree Balaji International School, Kalamboli as a nature-based learning space for biodiversity and butterfly ecology.
Inaugurated on 20th Jan 2026 by Ms. Lily Roy with a ribbon-cutting, guided tours and awareness sessions for students.
The garden is maintained regularly through staking and trellisi
Garden 9 -
Completed on 3rd Jan 2026 at Shree Balaji International School, Kalamboli as a nature-based learning space for biodiversity and butterfly ecology.
Inaugurated on 20th Jan 2026 by Ms. Lily Roy with a ribbon-cutting, guided tours and awareness sessions for students.
The garden is maintained regularly through staking and trellising, bench installation, composting, mulching and butterfly surveys to keep it thriving as a living
Adya Krantiveer Vasudeo Balwant Phadke Vidyalaya, New Panvel
Adarsh Vidya Mandir / Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha, Badlapur
Adya Krantiveer Vasudeo Balwant Phadke Vidyalaya, New Panvel
Garden 8 -
groundwork to support native plants and pollinators. On 22nd Jan, students planted 55 plants,Developed on 29th & 30th Dec 2025 after tied climbers and maintained feeders. Later, 39 Class V students explored the garden for the 'Spy Butterfly-Plant Partnerships' activity, spotting a Baronet and learning about butterfly-plant connections.
Nagraj Sheth International School, Uran
Nagraj Sheth International School, Uran
Adya Krantiveer Vasudeo Balwant Phadke Vidyalaya, New Panvel
Garden 7 – Plantation (27 December 2025)
The seventh Butterfly Garden’s ground plantation was successfully completed with school support.
Volunteer Engagement (20 & 22 January 2026)
Students actively participated in signage installation, plant counts, biodiversity surveys, feeder installations, and ongoing maintenance activities.
Garden In
Garden 7 – Plantation (27 December 2025)
The seventh Butterfly Garden’s ground plantation was successfully completed with school support.
Volunteer Engagement (20 & 22 January 2026)
Students actively participated in signage installation, plant counts, biodiversity surveys, feeder installations, and ongoing maintenance activities.
Garden Inauguration (23 January 2026)
The garden was inaugurated, followed by a butterfly walk and interactive session for students that emphasized awareness, curiosity, and connection to nature.
Greenfingers Global School
Nagraj Sheth International School, Uran
Greenfingers Global School
Garden 5 – Ground Prep & Completion (21 & 22 December 2025)
Initial ground preparation and shade plant plantations were undertaken, followed by the successful creation of the Butterfly Garden to support pollinators and hands-on learning.
Volunteer Engagement (20 January 2026)
Student volunteers helped with signage installation, de-weeding,
Garden 5 – Ground Prep & Completion (21 & 22 December 2025)
Initial ground preparation and shade plant plantations were undertaken, followed by the successful creation of the Butterfly Garden to support pollinators and hands-on learning.
Volunteer Engagement (20 January 2026)
Student volunteers helped with signage installation, de-weeding, brick lining, and biodiversity survey activities to strengthen the garden’s ecological foundation.
Vishwajyot School
Nagraj Sheth International School, Uran
Greenfingers Global School
Garden 4 – Completion (19 December 2025)
The fourth Butterfly Garden was completed as a potted butterfly garden, installed at the school after preparation at Taloja Hills. The garden provides students with exposure to native host and nectar plants that support local butterfly populations.
Volunteer Engagement (20 January & 22 January 2026)
Garden 4 – Completion (19 December 2025)
The fourth Butterfly Garden was completed as a potted butterfly garden, installed at the school after preparation at Taloja Hills. The garden provides students with exposure to native host and nectar plants that support local butterfly populations.
Volunteer Engagement (20 January & 22 January 2026)
Student volunteers contributed to de-weeding, signage installation, staff and student surveys, and plant counts to support biodiversity awareness.
Butterfly Walk & Talk (22 January 2026)
A Butterfly Garden tour and interactive talk session were conducted by Dr. Shubhalaxmi for students, followed by planned documentation and citizen science activities tied to the iButterflies app.
DAV Public School, Nerul
Garden 4 :
The garden journey started with a detailed site survey on 9th Dec 2025 - covering soil, noise, AQI, biodiversity and student perceptions. Groundwork began on 23rd & 26th Dec, and the garden was successfully developed with early signs of success as butterflies like Common Palmfly, Grass Yellow, Emigrant and Mormon started explor
Garden 4 :
The garden journey started with a detailed site survey on 9th Dec 2025 - covering soil, noise, AQI, biodiversity and student perceptions. Groundwork began on 23rd & 26th Dec, and the garden was successfully developed with early signs of success as butterflies like Common Palmfly, Grass Yellow, Emigrant and Mormon started exploring it immediately. On 17th Jan 2026, volunteers further strengthened the garden through brick lining, signage installation and plant surveys, making it a true campus-led initiative.
Don Bosco School, Nerul
Garden 3 – Groundwork & Completion (12 December & 16 November 2025)
Ground preparation and foundational development were completed for the Butterfly Garden. Student and staff perception surveys were conducted to understand expectations and areas for engagement.
Volunteer Engagement (17 January & 20 January 2026)
Volunteers from SIES Colleg
Garden 3 – Groundwork & Completion (12 December & 16 November 2025)
Ground preparation and foundational development were completed for the Butterfly Garden. Student and staff perception surveys were conducted to understand expectations and areas for engagement.
Volunteer Engagement (17 January & 20 January 2026)
Volunteers from SIES College and student groups supported garden strengthening activities such as de-weeding, signage installation, plant counting, and biodiversity surveys.
Inaugural Walk & Talk (31 January 2026)
An inaugural Butterfly Walk and Butterfly Talk Session were conducted for students, deepening their understanding of butterfly biodiversity and ecological relationships.
Mechkarwadi Zilla Parishad School
Mechkarwadi Zilla Parishad School
Garden 2 – Plantation (25 November 2025)
The second Butterfly Garden was developed at Mechkarwadi School with enthusiastic participation from students and parents. The collaborative plantation activity strengthened student engagement and built community support for the initiative.
Inauguration (27 January 2026)
The Butterfly Garden was for
Garden 2 – Plantation (25 November 2025)
The second Butterfly Garden was developed at Mechkarwadi School with enthusiastic participation from students and parents. The collaborative plantation activity strengthened student engagement and built community support for the initiative.
Inauguration (27 January 2026)
The Butterfly Garden was formally inaugurated by Mr. Isaac Kehimkar, Chairman of iNaturewatch Foundation. Guided tours and interactive learning sessions introduced students to butterfly life cycles, habitat needs, and conservation values.
Jamrung Zilla Parishad School
Jamrung Zilla Parishad School
Mechkarwadi Zilla Parishad School
Garden 1 – Initiation & Plantation (24 November 2025)
The project began with the very first Butterfly Garden at Jamrung Zilla Parishad School in collaboration with Publicis Groupe. The plantation activity marked the launch of the Butterfly Campus in school settings, bringing nature closer to students as a daily learning experience.
Signage
Garden 1 – Initiation & Plantation (24 November 2025)
The project began with the very first Butterfly Garden at Jamrung Zilla Parishad School in collaboration with Publicis Groupe. The plantation activity marked the launch of the Butterfly Campus in school settings, bringing nature closer to students as a daily learning experience.
Signage Installation (19 January 2026)
Informative garden signage was installed with active student participation to support future learning and awareness.
Inauguration & Learning Session (28 January 2026)
The Butterfly Garden was officially inaugurated, followed by a guided garden tour and butterfly talk session for students. The programme introduced students to butterfly ecology and plant associations, encouraging curiosity and environmental responsibility.