April 22, 2021 – Collinsville High School social studies, science and special education classes joined together in a service-learning project to grow milkweed to help save the Monarch Butterfly population in our area. They utilized the CHS greenhouse to start, grow and house the plants.
CHS Social Studies Department Chair Barbara Lindauer said, “Students critically analyzed the ‘root cause’ of the decline of the monarch butterfly and developed skills that will promote sustainable change. We are currently finding homes and gardens that would like some milkweed plants to grow to help us in our efforts.”
Lindauer said Willoughby Farm and Fairmont City Library are among the gardens that will be adding the CHS-grown milkweed to their gardens. Twin Echo Elementary teacher Mrs. Marlin was happy to accept milkweed for her 4th grade class to create a pollinator garden.
Funding for this project came from an IEA Region 45 Score Grant and the McCormick Foundation.