The Wings in Action Citizen Science Primer
An accessible volunteer handbook to guide community members in supporting urban biodiversity conservation, with a special focus on butterflies as ecological indicators. This five-chapter primer introduces readers to common native butterfly species, their growth cycle and how butterfly populations reflect the health of local ecosystems, making them vital for pollination and habitat balance. Beyond ecology, it also offers practical modules on how to document sightings, create butterfly-friendly gardens, and contribute data to national citizen science portals.
An original series of 3 children’s books that introduces young readers to wildlife conservation, focusing on animals most affected by urbanisation in India. Through simple, engaging stories, the series draws attention to how changing city landscapes impact wildlife, while also encouraging young readers to think about the role of community action and youth-led efforts in protecting these spaces.
Aarav always thought crows were loud and messy, especially when they swooped down on his lunchbox. But one day, his science teacher explained how crows clean up waste, protect crops, and keep the city’s ecosystem balanced. Aarav began to notice how many trees had disappeared from his neighborhood, and how crows were losing their nesting spaces. With his class, he built bird-friendly corners in the schoolyard, and slowly, the crows returned. Aarav discovered that caring for even the noisiest birds mattered for the whole environment.
Pari loved chasing butterflies in the park near her house, but one summer she noticed there were fewer and fewer of them fluttering around. Worried, she asked her grandmother why. Her grandmother explained that butterflies need flowers and safe spaces to live, but as parks get smaller and trees are cut down, butterflies struggle to survive. Inspired, Pari planted nectar-rich flowers with her neighbors, and soon enough, the garden was alive with colors again. Pari learned that even small actions can bring nature back to life.
When Anya found bats hanging upside down in the school’s old storeroom, she screamed and ran away, convinced they were scary. Later, her father, who loved nature, explained that bats help pollinate flowers and eat insects that harm crops. Curious, Anya watched them quietly one evening and saw how gently they flitted about. She then helped her class make posters about protecting bat habitats. Anya realized that creatures we fear sometimes do the most important work for the planet.
To make conservation even more accessible and actionable for people of all ages and locations, I designed a short, visual infographic titled “How to Make a Butterfly Garden.” The resource simplified the process into four clear steps; choosing nectar-rich plants, adding host plants, ensuring sunlight and water access, and avoiding pesticides, so that even beginners could easily replicate butterfly-friendly spaces. It was shared with students volunteers at Radley College UK, the younger ones at Khushi Foundation in India, and is here on my website as well to support on-ground implementation and translate awareness into tangible action.
In April 2026, I authored an impact report titled Tracing Wings: Measuring Butterfly Habitat Restoration in Delhi/NCR, documenting the ecological and community outcomes of the butterfly gardens established through Wings of Change. Drawing on publicly available research and my own observations while setting up the gardens; on urban pollinators and biodiversity restoration, the report analyzed plausible indicators such as butterfly species richness, pollinator activity, plant vitality, and seasonal diversity patterns across the gardens. It also examined how small-scale urban interventions can contribute to restoring micro-habitats within rapidly urbanizing environments like Delhi/NCR. Alongside ecological observations, the report reflected on the role of community engagement initiatives such as the Wings in Action Citizen Science Primer and The City Flyers children’s stories in building awareness around biodiversity conservation. The report ultimately proposes simple monitoring frameworks and future recommendations for expanding butterfly-friendly habitats across schools, parks, and community spaces in urban India.