Jill Staake 2021 Square   Jill Staake

Jill Staake

location-pin Tampa, Florida

Expertise: Gardening, Butterflies and Bugs, Backyard Wildlife

Jill Staake

  • MOSI Outside Assistant Curator, Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa: 8 years.
  • Contributing Editor, WeAreTeachers: 6 years.
  • Contributor, Birds & Blooms: 14 years

Experience

Jill Staake's lifelong love of nature turned into a career during the years she spent working with native Florida butterflies, caterpillars, and other wildlife at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, Florida. During this time, she helped to maintain 30+ acres of gardens and backwoods, all carefully cultivated to support the more than 20 species of butterflies displayed indoors and out. She now writes for a variety of publications and sites on topics like gardening, birding, and education, among others.

Education

Bachelor of science degree in Secondary English Language Arts Education

Birds & Blooms Editorial Policies


For nearly 30 years, Birds & Blooms, a Trusted Media Brand, has been inspiring readers to have a lifelong love of birding, gardening and nature. We are the #1 bird and garden magazine in North America and a trusted online resource for over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts annually. Our library of thousands of informative articles and how-tos has been written by trusted journalists and fact-checked by bird and garden experts for accuracy. In addition to our staff of experienced gardeners and bird-watchers, we hire individuals who have years of education and hands-on experience with birding, bird feeding, gardening, butterflies, bugs and more. Learn more about Birds & Blooms, our field editor program, and our submission guidelines.

Articles

How to Make Your Own Butterfly Planters

You can attract butterflies even if you only have a balcony or patio. Learn how to make butterfly planters for your favorite pollinators.

Grow Tagetes Lemmonii for Winter Flower Color

Tagetes lemmonii, a yellow flowering plant with several common names, will add color to your garden even in winter in southern growing zones.

How to Grow and Care for a Winter Cassia Bush

Down south, you might think you can't enjoy gorgeous fall colors. Think again! Try a winter cassia bush for a golden glow in your yard.