OCEANSIDE — What began as a second-grade science lesson on butterflies has metamorphosed into an annual community project. McAuliffe Elementary teacher Ellen Bialik planted a monarch-friendly garden with her class two years ago, with initial grant funding form the La Jolla Village Garden Club. Readying the butterfly garden for the summer migration of monarchs has now become a yearly tradition.

Last summer, four dozen monarchs hatched from the garden. “Butterflies filled the halls, it was just amazing,” Bialik said. Second-grade science lessons follow butterflies from eggs, to caterpillars, to chrysalises, and finally to butterflies. “We bring the chrysalis into the classroom to observe,” said Bialik. The experience is a lot different from studying science out of a book.

To get ready for this year’s migration, existing garden beds were replanted with nectar and host plants, to nourish butterflies and caterpillars, and encourage butterflies to lay eggs, Bialik said. Four new gardens were added. “This is like a hotel for them,” said fourth-grader Allen Fregoso.

An estimated 100 volunteers helped with digging and planting March 15, including the Oceanside High School football team, McAuliffe Elementary students, teachers and parents. “It’s a great way for the school and community to support the earth,” said Bialik.

Three butterfly garden beds were competed before noon, and after a pizza break volunteers worked on two more garden beds.

“I just wanted to help my school,” said fifth-grader Shane Daniel. “It’s nice to have a butterfly garden at our school. It’s a miracle to see them pop out and fly away,” Shane said.

The gardens are recognized as an official waystation to aid monarchs in their migration.

Once gardens are planted, the second-grade class waters and weeds the beds and parents volunteer to water the gardens during summer break, Bialik said.

Monarchs are temperature-sensitive are expected to land and hatch in July.