UT Tyler Students Tackle Local Conservation Through School Project
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Nestled in a secluded part of the UT University Academy grounds is the latest local initiative focused on conservation efforts.
When someone mentions imagining a butterfly, they typically picture a monarch,” stated Sara Pierson, a UT University Academy student who conceived the concept for the new butterfly garden. “It would be truly dreadful if future generations thought of a butterfly but couldn’t associate it with any species currently alive today,” she added.
Initially conceived as part of the NASA GLOBE Program, where students around the globe collaborate on environmental initiatives, this endeavor has evolved into something far more extensive than an ordinary school assignment.
“I’m an enthusiastic educator, and I must say, I’m equally thrilled to be a devoted parent. My daughter conceived this project after learning about the declining monarch butterfly population; her desire was to contribute towards their preservation. It makes me immensely proud that not only did she develop such an initiative, but also managed to engage several of her classmates,” stated Amy Pierson, who is both Sara Pierson’s mother and a faculty member at University Academy.
The population of Monarch butterflies has experienced a significant decrease.
The use of pesticides and a loss of habitat mainly to blame.
The highest number in an overwintering cycle according to Xerces Society came in 1997 with 1.2 million, but 2023 saw one of the highest recent counts at 233,394, which dropped to 9,119 last year.
“It’s important because monarchs are a really big part of pollinators and we want to keep pollinators around because they are a really important part of the vegetation and everything we eat and consume,” said Sofia Garcia, another student working on the project who has spearheaded the rebuilding of the area for the garden.
The garden isn’t in it’s final version but getting there will be a challenge as they search for one of the most important plants for monarchs.
“We don’t currently have milkweed in our garden because it’s very difficult to find native milkweed for sale in the area,” said Amy Pierson.
Students hoping that this project continues on and becomes bigger than they envision with future students.
“I hope that other classes at our school will keep up the garden, and perhaps when I return someday, I could stroll through the campus and notice that it has flourished or observe children conducting further studies on it,” stated Sara Pierson.
The initiative will similarly serve students at every grade level to enhance their understanding of ecosystems and ecological concepts.
The students also aim to promote the growth of bee populations.