The Monarch Waystation continues to receive improvement as Georgetown seventh graders assisted the Achievers with the gathering of Milkweed Pods this autumn.

Georgetown Exempted Village School’s Discovery Trail has slowly, but surely continued to become a primitive, outdoor classroom for both elementary and high school students. Earlier this fall, the Learn and Serve Achievers cleared and planted butterfly plants and established a larger area for the Monarch Waystation. There are many plants that attract butterflies, but milkweed is the plant of choice for the Monarch Butterfly. Student curriculum in the elementary and the junior/senior high school include Life Sciences and are greatly enhanced through their participation and observation in the outdoor classrooms.

Seventh graders have collected a more than adequate amount of milkweed pods, full of seeds for planting next spring. As the pods were being discussed, several insects which have a symbiotic relationship with the plant made themselves available for a mini-lesson. In the spring, the Achievers will collaborate with seventh graders to establish the milkweed plots for the Monarch Butterflies.

A special thanks to Mr. John Ludy, retired educator who often makes an appearance for substitute teaching duties, for his donation of the butterfly plants. The Achievers also thank Mr. Loudon and the FFA students for assisting with the heavy work.