A note from Class of 2036 parent, Michelle Braet-Alford:
Did you know there is a Butterfly Garden on the primary playground? It was established in 2015 by a former Meridian parent. It was revamped in 2022, but due to issues with the irrigation system, several plants died out. So we're planning to repair the irrigation and replant the garden in a sustainable manner!
The Sustainability Committee and the Class of 2036 parents are bringing back the garden (and the butterflies!) and would love to have it be something for our class to be proud of for years to come!
Why it's important:
Did you know that Monarch butterflies are endangered? Our butterfly garden is a certified Monarch Waystation through Monarch Watch! When our garden is healthy, pollinators cover the blooms in our garden all year long!
The plan:
Stage 1 - Completed in November of 2024! This consisted of clearing out the dead plants, bringing in fresh compost, adding several Texas native pollinator-loving perennials, repairing the temporary irrigation system, and mulching. We have already had butterfly and dragonfly sightings! Thank you so much to the parents and students who lent the time and elbow grease to make this happen!
Stage 2 - A professional, underground irrigation system will be added and will be fed by the HVAC condensate line for sustainability. This is predicted to happen over Winter Break.
Stage 3 - In the spring, we will plant several additional flowering perennials for the pollinators and milkweed for monarch caterpillars. Plans of adding a protective border around the garden are also in the works.
Stage 4 and beyond - Ongoing upkeep. There will be opportunities for the Class of 2036 to volunteer in the future, so please stay tuned! Fill out this short interest form if you want to learn more.
Interested in other gardens that you can sponsor as a family or group? See this form! We have three gardens finished so far, and there are more than a dozen opportunities for small "pocket" gardens to the rain garden. Email Sarah Gardner, Community Engagement Director, with questions.