For nearly 30 years, Jill Franke has led exercise classes at the YMCA and Senior Center.
An aerobics, group and aqua fitness instructor, she helps members and clients achieve their goals.
Some are initially afraid to work out. Jill proudly watches them turn into “beautiful butterflies,” she says.
It’s an apt metaphor. She does exactly the same at home, with caterpillars. Jill nurtures them, as they turn into beautiful — and actual — monarch butterflies.
Her hobby began six years ago. She helps the eggs grow, from a milkweed plant to microscopic caterpillars. Jill watches as they eat for two weeks, getting “big and fat.”
The start: tiny eggs.
They climb to the top of her cage, hang by their feet for 1 to 2 weeks, then spend 24 to 48 hours turning into butterflies. Their wings are wet, and they are “exhausted” from the transformation.
They walk around the cage, drying their wings. After 1 or 2 days, Jill releases them. The day must be warm (the heat helps them fly), with little wind.
In past years, Jill released 25 monarchs. This year, she has freed only 15. “Builders have been ripping out milkweed,” she explains. “Pesticides hurt too.”
To help the cause, Jill worked with Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield. She and a landscaper planted thousands of milkweed seeds. It’s a beautiful spot.
During COVID, groups met there to meditate. They continue still.
Jill feels a “spiritual connection” to monarchs — an endangered species. The other day, an injured butterfly landed at her feet. She fed it sugar water until it felt better, then watched it rise away.
Jill Franke releases a monarch butterfly.
“I’m passionate about helping them survive. I’m glad I can play a part,” she says. “It’s a miracle.”
When monarchs fly off, Jill adds, she feels as if she is watching an “ancestor.” Then, she says, “I trust them. They’re watching over me.”
In late October, most butterflies are gone. There are few plants, like zinnias, to feed on. Now, she spends more time with her human friends.
Monarchs need plants to thrive.
“I’m a helper,” she says. “When it’s helping people reach their fitness and nutrition goals, I get the same satisfaction as watching caterpillars turn into gorgeous butterflies.”
Some of her success stories fly away. Some stay on earth, and return for more classes.
Insect or human, all are important parts of Jill Franke’s world.