Creating a Home for Monarch Butterflies and the Community

During periods of uncertainty and high stress, connection to nature can be a powerful

source of restoration. Time spent outdoors has been shown to ease anxiety, improve

physical health, and foster a sense of connection—all benefits that are especially

important during these stressful times. For the immigrant communities of West Chicago,

recent years have brought increased challenges on many fronts, and we at The

Conservation Foundation (TCF) are proud to partner with Casa Michoacán DuPage to

offer nature-based experiences that support health, resilience, and overall quality of life.

In 2024, TCF and Casa Michoacán began its partnership. Together we have launched a

series of outdoor forest therapy sessions alongside indoor relaxation programming

designed to make the benefits of nature accessible to all. Forest therapy is a guided

practice that encourages participants to slow down and intentionally engage their

senses with the natural world. Research has shown that these experiences can lead to

measurable physical and mental health benefits, including reduced cortisol levels, lower

blood pressure, and improved immune function. For participants, these sessions also

provide space for reflection, calm, and community connection. And, in the case of our

fall 2024 forest therapy – a little adventure and excitement as there was a huge

thunderstorm right as we started the session!

Beyond programming, this partnership has taken root in a very tangible way. TCF

supported Casa Michoacán’s vision to establish a pollinator garden and access to

culturally meaningful plants, including cempasuchil—the marigold traditionally

associated with Día de los Muertos—alongside local native species that support

Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. In collaboration with Healthy West Chicago,

the garden was expanded in spring 2025 to include tasty veggies , further strengthening

the connection between land, culture, and nourishment – all in a small plot of land

adjacent to the Casa Michoacán’s community center.

The Conservation Foundation team is guided by the belief that everyone—regardless of

where they live or their socioeconomic status—deserves access to clean water, clean

air, nutritious food, and safe access to nature as a way to be healthy and happy. By

working closely with community partners and tailoring programs to local needs, we

strive to improve quality of life for both people and wildlife across our region and are

very grateful to Casa Michocán for their strength, collaboration, and continued

partnership as we kick of 2026!

Our Supportive Partners: