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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

253025091 1 Jessie Buchholz Bnb Bypc2020

What (and How) Do Monarch Butterflies Eat?

If you want to help monarchs, you may ask what do monarch butterflies eat? Find out the answer and learn how to give them what they need.
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8 Crazy Cool Caterpillars You Could Find in Your Backyard

Get the lowdown on these bizarre, crawly creatures—from plump and stripy to horned and dangerous. And see the adult moths and butterflies they transform into.
A closeup of Lets Dance Sky View Hydrangea, which features large pink and green flower clusters.

6 Hydrangea Facts That Even Expert Gardeners Don’t Know

Hydrangeas are classic garden shrubs but, as these fascinating facts prove, they're more complex than you may think.