This post was contributed by Kate Rezac, NCEA Monarch Grant Program Teacher Leader.
Our month has been filled with milkweed, muscles, and mulch as we prepare for the monarchs.
Earth Day inspired us to spend time outside planting milkweed seeds and weeding the garden. We even created art inspired by our Monarch Meadow and took the perspective of an insect. The world looks different through their eyes.
On May 10th Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts thoughtfully planted over 200 plants donated by Mulhall’s. We are so thankful for their help and the assistance of parents and siblings.
May 12th was an beautiful and inspiring day. An enormous load of mulch was delivered. Students across all the grade levels spent their PE class hauling mulch. Wheelbarrows, buckets, shovels, rakes, hoes were put into action. Teamwork was the magic that made it all happen. Seeing first graders work alongside seventh graders to accomplish a big task was special. This community effort brings us together in such a meaningful way.
Observing and measuring growth in the garden has been a meaningful experience. We are amazed at how quickly things change and grow. We are mindful of our responsibility to care for creation. We are hopeful our efforts will provide for the monarchs and for other little creatures. We are grateful for all the hands and hearts that have helped. We are blessed. We are also ready! Monarchs, we are so excited to see you!
Learn more about Saint Margaret Mary Catholic School’s Monarch butterfly activities and more on Facebook and Twitter.
Saint Margaret Mary School in Omaha, Nebraska, is a two-time recipient of the NCEA Monarch Rescue Grant. Grantee schools will share monthly updates on their efforts in researching, planning, building, and maintaining the very best monarch-friendly butterfly gardens possible. They will monitor the success or failure of the garden, learning from problems they encounter to plan improvements in subsequent years. Most important, the developing learning modules will incorporate Catholic social teaching on stewardship of the resources God has provided us.
Follow the Monarch Butterfly conversation using #NCEAMonarch, search NCEA Talk using keyword Monarch Butterfly Rescue and view the Monarch Inspiration Gallery on Pinterest.
