As part of the Drive for Charity on the Dulles Greenway this Thursday, I (Nicole Hamilton) will be doing an interview with USA9 to talk about the great ways in which funds from the Drive for Charity support Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy – just wanted to let you know in case you want to tune in — the interview will be around 6am but they’ll probably air it at other times.
So, what will I talk about? Well, in addition to supporting habitat restoration projects and environmental education across the County, a highlight this year that the Drive for Charity is making possible is the launch of our campaign to Bring Back the Monarch and Keep the Magic Alive!
While the Monarch campaign is a County-wide effort, working with individuals, HOAs, farmers, businesses, churches and parks in setting up Monarch Waystations, we’re also working closely with schools and because of the Dulles Greenway Drive for Charity, we are able to donate milkweed plants to schools wanting set up Monarch Waystations. To complete the waystation, teachers are working with their PTAs to purchase native nectar plants, and are working with their school administrators and volunteers to make sure the gardens are properly cared for. Teachers will be able to use these gardens as outdoor classrooms, teaching students not only about Monarchs and their lifecycle and habitat needs but also other pollinators, animal/plant relationships, math, history, social studies, language and art.
So far, 17 schools have signed up to receive milkweed plants – thousands of children will benefit from this donation, made possible by the Dulles Greenway!
See which schools and other organizations are participating by visiting here.