My Butterfly Collection ― On the Wings of the Butterfly

My Butterfly Collection is a personal journey from an encounter with a Painted Lady butterfly in the Sierras to the protection of the fragile Mission Blue butterfly on Twin Peaks in San Francisco, experiencing the power and majesty of the Monarch butterfly and other butterflies, the rationale for protecting them, and promoting butterfly gardening as one important contribution to help maintain their survival.My Butterfly Collection is dedicated to the survival of the butterfly worldwide. According to the Paul and Anne Erlich, it is no exaggeration to say that in ten years, many of the only endangered butterflies left may be those in exhibits, museums and private collections. More than 40 different butterflies are on the endangered species list of the US Department of Interior. Six of these are found in California. The designation makes it illegal to harm, collect or sell butterflies; however, most people do not recognize an endangered butterfly.My Butterfly Collection focuses on the art and science of the butterfly. It is a photographic, artistic and literary tribute, written to create a widespread butterfly consciousness and protect them from extinction. The book includes the roster of endangered butterflies including the ones that may face extinction within the next decade.My Butterfly Collection discusses the significance of the butterfly, how it is an integral part of the life of a living, breathing planet, its life cycle, and the importance of its co-existence with plant life and mankind. It includes how necessary it is to preserve and protect special habitats (and not just for butterflies), how to help with specific landscape and garden plantings, and resources on how to garden and breed butterflies. Butterfly breeding programs have begun in several places in the world. The author has stated for many years that "The health of the planet rests on the wings of the butterfly." Paul Erlich has shown how butterflies serve as early warning "smoke detectors" of local and systemic environmental dysfunctions.My Butterfly Collection features magnificently illustrated butterfly photographs of award- winning Kjell B. Sandved who has worked for the Smithsonian and National Geographic. Butterflies are presented in a blend of artwork, writings, poetry, mythology and quotes from a wide variety of writers who share their views of the butterfly as a symbol of transformation and change, of balance in the struggle for survival. Each illustration shows the high regard of both Eastern and Western cultures have had for the species transcendent beauty, revealing their inherent understanding of its important place in nature. My Butterfly Collection shows how the butterfly has been imbued with a spectrum of qualities, such as freedom, mystery, change, rebirth, transcendence, harmony, innocence, gentleness, poignancy, extravagance, grace, subtlety, wonder and joy.My Butterfly Collection is a blend of scientific information, symbolism and creative expression. It presents mythic lore about butterflies, their historic association with mankind as well as the best, current information from lepidopterists and ecologists. The intention is to create an appreciation of the butterfly as an essential part of the planet's ecology, and show how their entire life cycle co-evolves with many other species.“Stevanne Auerbach has written a masterpiece on butterflies and their place in the web of life. And it truly is a web.” From the Foreword by David Seabourg. The author shares her inspiration- “I have been fascinated by butterflies since childhood, observing them in gardens, parks, and countryside, in and near my home in New York City; I had a special encounter with a Painted Lady butterfly in the Sierras which launched writing a parable that begins the book, and then later became an activist on behalf of protecting the Mission Blue butterfly, and its habitat, when I lived near Twin Peaks in San Francisco in 1979. I formed an organization, Butt

Stevanne Auerbach, PhD, has been fascinated by butterflies since childhood, observing them in gardens and parks, and later she was given a special beaded bag that stimulated the collection. She became an activist on behalf of the Mission Blue butterfly and its habitat when she lived near Twin Peaks in San Francisco. She formed an organization to create greater awareness and support as she gathered information for the book along with a great collection of objects and resources, but then was devastated by a fire that changed everything. When she found the charred manuscript a few years ago, she began again. This marks her 16th publication. Dr. Auerbach’s books range from parenting, child care, play and toys to a novel and screenplay. She shares her enthusiasm for butterflies and concern for the well-being of our delicate planet. Butterflies are sensitive indicators of balance.