I conducted research on what would be the most helpful way to conserve Monarch habitat. I recruited a small team of people located in strategic places within the United States and Canada that could assist me in helping Monarchs. I worked with individual donors, my local garden club, and a National Monarch Watch organization to acquire donations to purchase Milkweed seeds and planting supplies. Together, we planted and distributed over 5000 Milkweed host plants and seeds along the North American migration path in over 100 locations in 10 different states and two Canadian provinces. During the campaign, I educated over 200 people in my community at six events, created a full butterfly garden and raised & released 24 Monarch butterflies. My social media campaign through www.missionmonarch.org reached out to 1500 contacts in eight countries. Milkweed, the perennial host plant, self-seed each year and will create sustained habitats for Monarchs and all pollinators for decades to come.
My project was unique in that I not only wanted to make an impact in my immediate community, but I wanted to create new habitats across migration path for Monarchs in the United States and Canada. Covering such a broad an area was a challenge. The project took lots of concentrated coordination and communication, and I developed great leadership skills along the way. Getting the right type of seeds to the right locations and growing plant plugs for distribution required lots of patience and perseverance.
Knowing that we are responsible as a society for the decline of the habitat makes me want to continue to take responsibility and make a difference. This project has made a significant impact on my future career plans. I am applying to colleges this fall that offer degrees in environmental science. I know it will be a challenging course of study, but I have the confidence I will achieve my goals, continuing to volunteer along the way!
· Date: November 2, 2016 · Views: 7356 · File size:16.4kb, 2137.2kb · : 3024 x 4032 ·