Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

My name is Jonathan, I am a 17 year old from Troy, Michigan. Currently, I am a senior attending Troy Athens High School. As someone who is passionate about preserving our environment, I have always looked for ways I can create positive change. Inspired by various stories of wildlife returning in the absence of humans during the pandemic, I decided that I wanted to replicate that change at home. Years later, two native gardens are thriving as a result.
I first began gardening after I saw a TikTok of a woman who raised Monarch butterflies at home, releasing countless of the beautiful orange and black wings into the wild. Looking for a way I could make change, this prompted me to look into how to help save the Monarch population. I read about habitat destruction, the loss of milkweed, and the decline of the species. After many days of scouring the Internet, I had a list of native plants that interested me and a plan to create a successful native garden. Throughout the following months, I watched my garden flourish with life, amazed by the frequent visits of bees, birds, and butterflies. After raising and releasing one Monarch, I was hooked.
Restricted by the 5x10 foot area at home, I looked to bring my newfound passion elsewhere. That is when I joined my school's Environmental Activist Club. I had talked to the club's president about what projects they do, and after hearing about their goal to plant a tree, the idea sparked. A garden at the school! So, the process began. I began drafting a proposal to the school's administration, outlining our project in hopes that it would be approved. Simultaneously, I met with my principal to discuss the idea, learning what it would take to have the garden approved. For a few months, I drafted, presented, and revised the proposal- each time getting more and more in depth. The document became six pages- including benefits of the garden, costs, plant descriptions, location ideas, and impact on the school. After the fourth meeting with district administrators, it was approved.
Ecstatic with the decision to move forward with the garden, I also knew it was only the beginning. The proposal highlighted a few different areas around the school, but an administrator themself suggested we replace the old, dying plants at the base of the flagpole- right in front of the main entrance! A perfect position in full sun, where all students and staff could see the beauty of native plants. After two trips to a nearby nursery, plants filled the trunk and backseat of the car. Milkweed, coneflowers, asters and more, all making their way to a new home. The Environmental Activists Club met in early April, 2022 to plant the garden. Passionate students were excited to help create change, getting their hands dirty in the soil as we transferred each plant. Throughout the process, we identified what each plant was and learned about their specific needs and preferences to thrive. With the original inspiration of raising Monarchs, it was essential to include milkweed, having both Swamp and Butterfly Weed. Looking around and seeing my peers gardening was a special moment, especially after the many months of work that led up to the moment. On that day, we planted 18 different plants of six different species, each one native to our region.
With the creation of the garden at Athens High School, both the environment and community have benefitted. The plants provide shelter and food for countless organisms, crucial in our suburban surroundings. Native plants should be a familiar sight for pollinators, but as monocultural lawns of grass surround buildings, they are becoming more abundant. Not far from a busy intersection, our garden is a refreshing sight for all, especially pollinators. For Monarchs, the garden is especially important, as they rely on the milkweed species to reproduce. Monarch butterflies solely lay their eggs on milkweed, as eating the plant results in a toxic defense against predators. Therefore, it is essential to combat the declining milkweed population in order to save the Monarchs. Our garden boasts six milkweed plants, aiding Monarchs in their life cycle. Regarding the community, the garden's connection to the school is highly beneficial. Playing a major role in the proposal, the impact of the garden on the school was emphasized. The change in landscape provides a great change for students to learn and destress. In our Advanced Placement Environmental Science class, we began the year with a scavenger hunt looking for different examples of science terms. Many students went to photograph the garden, learning about the types of plants and relations between organisms. Also, teachers have brought their classes to the garden to take a break from the stress of high school. With those classes, I have introduced many students to native plants, describing what they are and why they are important. Each time, I am met with an engaged audience who are interested in what they see. To be passionate about protecting the Earth is exciting: but to spread that passion to others is fulfilling.
As the world around us changes, it's easy to get caught up in all the negative stories of climate change. It feels as if the Earth is doomed, that we, the average citizen, are powerless. However, it takes the action of citizens to create change. Through the planting of native gardens, I have not only developed a passion for protecting pollinators, but also learned to inspire others. Following the creation of the native garden, I was elected president of the Environmental Activists Club for the 2022 school year. The club now has over 70 members, who I am proud to share my interest with. We have continued to take care of the garden, documenting its growth and beauty throughout the year. We created an Instagram account to share updates, @athens_environmental_club. Creating change as a group is highly rewarding, installing hope for the future.
Following the many months I spent obsessed with native plants, I look to pursue Environmental Sciences in college. The native garden has shown me physical proof that I can make change, even at a small level. It has empowered my and my peers to push for more positive changes in the future, looking to combat the climate crisis we face. I am proud of the club's work to establish a native garden at the school, inspired to continue preserve the world as we know it.