The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Okies for Monarchs are challenging Oklahoma public schools and other public youth activity centers to make some space for monarchs. They are seeking 100 public schools and youth organizations that want to collectively plant 25,000 square feet of pollinator habitat.

The first 100 schools to complete the application process by Oct. 1, 2021 will receive by mail, a free seed packet with 250 square feet worth of Okies for Monarchs Wildflower Seed Mix, specially curated by Johnston Seed Company, as well as tips for successful planting, pollinator educational resources, and a Monarch Habitat sign*.

“Now more than ever, bringing nature into our lives and the classroom is as important for us as it is for the wildlife we aim to support,” said Mike Fuhr, state director for The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma. “The Nature Conservancy and Okies for Monarchs created the 100 Schools for Monarchs Challenge to not only help save the monarchs from further decline, but to also help children learn the science behind how nature works for us and how we can help keep it running strong.”

Multiple factors are involved with the decline of the monarch population including increased use of herbicides, rapidly shifting weather norms due to climate change and the loss of wild spaces. While many of these factors are out of our hands, one solution is right under our feet: create more habitat that provides food and shelter for pollinators.

“Because Oklahoma is centrally located in the path of the spring and fall monarch migrations that extend between Mexico and Canada, it is important that we provide needed habitat for monarchs to stop along way for nourishment and egg-laying on their host plant which is milkweed,” said Fuhr. “This program is a fabulous way to create more habitat while teaching children about the importance of pollinators.”

Schools wanting to participate in the 100 Schools for Monarchs Challenge are encouraged to apply online by Oct. 1, 2021 at okiesformonarchs.org.

* One wildflower garden seed packet per entity. The Monarch Habitat sign will be provided once proof of the seeds being planted has been provided.

About The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global, non-profit conservation organization that works to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. TNC is a founding member of the Oklahoma Monarch & Pollinator Collaborative and serves as an active member of the OMPC Steering Committee and Okies for Monarchs outreach campaign. TNC applies a systematic, science-based approach to species conservation, and pursues collaborative, market-based solutions to meet conservation challenges. The Conservancy and its more than one million members have effectively conserved over 15 million acres in the United States, and an additional 102 million acres worldwide. Since 1986, the Conservancy has worked to conserve more than 105,000 acres of Oklahoma’s magnificent landscapes and unique biodiversity. Learn more by visiting nature.org/oklahoma.

About Okies for Monarchs

Okies for Monarchs is an initiative of the Oklahoma Monarch & Pollinator Collaborative, a statewide group of 40+ organizations and citizens working together to ensure thriving Monarch migrations for generations to come.