In a time when pollinator populations are facing critical threats, How To Make a Pollinator Garden (Como Hacer un Jardín Polinizador) is blooming with practical advice for children ages 6-12 to help sustain these essential species. This bilingual picture book in English and Spanish, written by Texas Woman’s University (TWU) professor Dr. Camelia Maier, provides step-by-step guidance on creating pollinator-friendly gardens and explains the vital role pollinators play in our environment.
Available online and in hardcover at twu.edu/butterfly-garden for $21.39 plus shipping, this engaging book offers an inspiring and hands-on approach for young readers to understand and actively support pollinators through accessible scientific instruction and colorful illustrations. All proceeds benefit the Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden at Texas Woman’s, helping to protect pollinator habitats on the TWU campus and beyond. How To Make a Pollinator Garden makes an ideal gift this holiday season, supporting not only young readers but also pollinator conservation efforts.
Although this book is written for children ages 6-12, it offers helpful guidance for adults interested in transforming part of their yard into a pollinator habitat. The steps are straightforward, making it accessible even for those with limited space. This approach not only yields a low-maintenance garden but also makes a valuable contribution to the environment.
Butterfly and pollinator gardens are crucial for many reasons, primarily because pollinators play a vital role in food production by pollinating crops. In essence, they help provide food. Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and climate change. Every garden created helps expand and enhance their habitat. In urban areas, pollinator habitats are often fragmented by concrete, buildings, streets, and highways. These gardens not only support food production but also add beauty and bring vibrant greenery, flowers, butterflies, and bees to our surroundings.
Dr. Maier, a molecular biologist and Director of the TWU Herbarium, brings her expertise to the book, drawing from her experience in plant biology, ecology, and pollinator relationships. Design and illustrations by TWU graphic design majors Chelsea Flores and Kathryn Kelly, under the guidance of Sheli Petersen, TWU Professor of Graphic Design & Illustration, bring the book to life with vibrant, instructional imagery. Dr. Maria Serrano of the TWU Division of Biology translated the book into Spanish, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.
Alongside the book, readers are encouraged to visit TWU’s two butterfly gardens—the Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden and the Carroll Abbott Memorial Wildflower Sanctuary. Both gardens feature native plants designed to attract and sustain pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies and native bees, and serve as living laboratories for sustainable gardening and habitat restoration. The Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden is recognized as an official Monarch Watch waystation, providing essential resources such as milkweeds and nectar plants that support monarchs throughout their migration cycle, as well as a certified Wildlife Habitat.
Located at TWU’s Denton campus, the gardens are open for group tours and educational classes, offering young nature enthusiasts and families a chance to learn hands-on about creating pollinator habitats. To schedule a tour, contact the Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden at 940-898-2358.
About the Creative Team
Author: Dr. Camelia Maier earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of North Texas and currently serves as Chair of The Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden Advisory Committee and Director and Curator of the TWU Herbarium. Her research and outreach work emphasize the medicinal and ecological benefits of plant compounds and sustainable gardening.
Illustrator: Chelsea Flores, TWU BFA in Art, Graphic Design
Chelsea Flores is a designer/illustrator who loves to bring stories and characters to life on paper, as well as with digital mediums.
Designer: Kathryn Kelly, TWU BFA in Art, Graphic Design
Kathryn Kelly has a primary interest in branding and user interface design, but she enjoys all types of design challenges.
Art Director and Coordinator: Sheli Petersen, Professor of Graphic Design & Illustration
Professor Petersen focuses on illustrating, designing, and writing children’s books in her creative practice. Petersen also provides service-leadership for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Nebraska chapter.
About TWU
Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a fundraising effort that has raised more than $152 million to date to support programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.eduor twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.