Page 45 - Sept 2023 Galveston Monthly

Galveston boasts more than just sun-soaked beaches and in this delicate balance could send ripples throughout the
charming architecture. its landscape is adorned with a interconnected ecosystem. “When butterflies, bees, or other
dazzling array of butterflies, a sight that captivates the senses invertebrates decline, the impact trickles down to all those
and tells a story of profound ecological interconnectedness. organisms that depend upon them for food.”
Hensley is a witness to this living tapestry and has
committed himself to understanding the intricate dance nURtURIng natURE’S SyMPhony
between these delicate creatures and their surroundings. “Galveston’s location along the Gulf of Mexico places it in a
“Texas is home to nearly 400 species of butterflies, of which position of having the potential for great butterfly diversity,”
more than 170 species occur along the Gulf Coast, with the Hensley said. He encourages the planting of native species,
Galveston area having a documented number of more than a harmonious approach that allows butterflies and plants to
70,” Hensley said. coexist in a dance of survival.
“Butterflies fit into their environment because they have
a vItal RolE In thE EcoSyStEM adapted over time to the climate conditions of the area to
“Butterflies, and the hundreds of species of moths, their the specific native plants upon which they depend.”
cousins, comprise an extremely important component of the Hensley emphasizes the importance of planting native
natural world, including the Galveston area,” Hensley said. species that bloom at different times of the year, offering a
“They comprise the diets of untold numbers of songbirds, continuous source of sustenance. His recommendation is to
whether they are the migrants that arrive from south of plant three to five native species for each spring, summer,
the border each spring, or for the nestlings of chickadees to and fall.
robins. They are food for everything from lizards to spiders,
dragonflies, frogs, and toads.” gUaRDIanS of thE MonaRchy
in this delicate web of life, butterflies play an essential role Among the luminaries of Galveston’s butterfly realm, the
as pollinators, orchestrating the propagation of native plants regal monarch butterflies reign supreme. Their migratory
and fostering the vibrant biodiversity that Galveston prides journey through Texas is a mesmerizing spectacle, a
itself on. testament to the wonders of the natural world. Hensley’s
experience and advice extends beyond admiration to action.
“Some are pollinators of our diverse assemblage of native
courtesy images plants. Their diversity contributes to the overall diversity of “Many non-native plants are treated with systemic
pesticides that have been found to retain the toxic chemicals
Galveston’s flora and fauna,” Hensley said.
in flowers, including nectar and pollen, resulting in insect
Hensley emphasized how even the slightest disturbance

SEPTEMBER 2023 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | 45