Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
A team of eight University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners was awarded a teamwork award for their Wildlife Federation Mayor's Monarch Garden in Pekin, Illinois. The award was presented during University of Illinois Extension's annual master gardener conference in Normal on September 8, 2017.
This group's project planted seeds of knowledge in young people to develop their love for gardening and better understand its purpose.
Monarch butterflies provide numerous opportunities for young children to learn fundamental concepts in natural science and biology. Monarch butterflies seem magical. They encourage curiosity and wonder. This project was able to work collaboratively with the broader community on an issue of common interest – to increase monarch habitat.
Team members included Susan McCabe, Lisa Ziegenhorn, Pat Alexander, Fran Stroemer, Carol Cihla, Margaret Kelly, Jennifer Bass, and Ellen Rice. Youth and community members learned what is necessary to preserve monarchs and create a monarch habitat. Together they designed the space, found plants, created the garden, made signs, maintained the garden, and shared their experiences. Youth were represented from the Saintly Dragon's 4-H club, Girl Scout Troop 4185, and a home-schooled family.
This team collaborated with the City of Pekin Mayor John McCabe. Mayor McCabe took the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. He also submitted the city garden for Monarch Waystation certification.
You can view pictures and learn more about Master Gardener programs in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties athttp://web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/photogallery/3689
MEET THE AUTHOR
As horticulture educator, Rhonda Ferree inspired citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. She focused on high quality, impactful programs that taught homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment.
After 30 years with University of Illinois Extension, Rhonda retired in 2018. She continues to share her passion for horticulture related topics as “Retro Rhonda” on social media.
ABOUT THE BLOG
ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.