A little more than 20 years ago, a group of local women and local organizations came together with one common goal – to help Save the Butterfly.

Because of their efforts, along with the help of state legislators and the Garden Club of Alabama, today is Save the Butterfly Day throughout the state of Alabama.

This wasn’t just some far-fetched idea by these concerned citizens. Several species of butterflies had been placed on the endangered list because of pesticides.

These citizens may have at first just been concerned backyard gardeners but they turned into full-fledged environmentalists in their quest.

As a result of their efforts, Selma was designated the Butterfly Capital of Alabama.

In addition, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail was adopted as the official mascot and state butterfly.

And, in 1985, at the request of Selma and sponsored by the Garden Club of Alabama, the state Legislature designated April 16 of each year as “Save the Butterfly Day” in Alabama.

Butterflies indicate a healthy environment, while the lack of butterflies indicates that the opposite is true, according to Mallieve Breeding, a driving force in the effort to Save the Butterflies.

There are many people who don’t see the importance of saving small species on our planet. They are naive enough to believe that it doesn’t have an effect on us if a species goes extinct.

It is unfortunate that those people are not better educated in the workings of nature.

Martin Luther wrote, “God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.”

Save the Butterfly Day reminds us of the beauty of God’s creation, as well as our responsibility to protect it.