GALLERY: Preschool Kids Release 4,500 Ladybugs for Earth Day

Earth Day at Kirkland’s Evergreen Academy preschool was all about ladybugs –- ladybugs on the lawn and flowerbeds, on the kids' arms and legs, in their hands and hair and flying through the air.

It was ladybug bedlam as dozens of preschool students and staff celebrated Earth Day Friday by releasing 4,500 of the orange beetles onto the school grounds.

“The kids just love the ladybugs, and they’re important to the environment,” explained Carrie Stull, principal of the Montessori preschool that opened in the Totem Lake area in January. “We wanted to do something for them to understand the importance of the environment and Earth.”

Indeed, nary a squeamish voice was heard and many happy faces beamed as four bags full of bugs were set free on the school lawn. The children then gathered many up and moved them over into a new flowerbed.

“They’ve learned this week about the life cycle of the ladybug and what they do to keep the environment clean,” said the principal.

Ladybugs bugs are important to the environment because they prey on and help control harmful bugs that eat crops and infest trees. They also help pollinate plants. Many gardeners and farmers use them as a simple, natural, pesticide-free way to control mealybugs, mites and aphids.

“Next week we’re going to plant a vegetable garden,” Stull added.

Enjoy the photos in the gallery here – what’s more fun than kids and bugs?