From Classroom to Conservation
At Knickrehm Elementary, science is moving out of the textbook and into the soil. Thanks to the collaborative vision of educators Chelsi Christensen and Amanda Julesgard, thirty students are embarking on a hands-on journey to become stewards of the environment through the Milkweed Planting Project.
This initiative was recognized by the Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation, which provided a $500 Classroom Grant to bring the vision to life. Each year, the Foundation celebrates dedicated teachers by supporting their most innovative ideas—special projects that move beyond the chalkboard to offer students real-world experiences. By funding these creative requests, the GIPS Foundation helps educators like Christensen and Julesgard inspire students to see the tangible impact they can have on the world around them. Christensen reflects on the project’s success, noting, “I love watching this project come full circle, from learning about it in science class to actually making a difference for the Monarch butterflies!”
The Milkweed Planting Project is designed to align seamlessly with the school’s science curriculum, ensuring students don’t just plant seeds, but truly understand the why behind their growth. In the first semester, students dive into the study of habitats, learning what makes an ecosystem thrive and why specific species depend on one another for survival.
During the second semester, the classroom transforms into a living laboratory. Students spend months nurturing milkweed plants from seeds, observing the life cycle of the flora that serves as the essential host for Monarch butterflies. This phase fosters a sense of responsibility and personalized learning, as each student plays a direct role in keeping their plants healthy. Nora, a student at Knickrehm, expressed her wonder at the natural process, noting, “I love to watch the plants grow and turn into food for the butterflies.” Her classmate, Hayden, shares in the enthusiasm, remarking, “This is really cool that we can plant milkweed.”
The heart of this project lies in a vibrant community partnership. Pheasants Forever, whose experts provided the supplies and professional guidance, has helped transform these students into young conservationists. This collaboration gives the children a front-row seat to the worlds of land management and wildlife preservation.
The crowning moment of the project arrives in May, when students and teachers are bused to a dedicated plot of protected land. There, with their own hands, they transplant the milkweed they’ve spent months nurturing in their classroom—finally giving their plants a permanent home and creating a sanctuary where Monarch butterflies can truly thrive.
Beyond the scientific lessons, this project is about cultivating a stronger community. By connecting Knickrehm Elementary with the expertise of Pheasants Forever and the vital support of the GIPS Foundation, students see firsthand how local partnerships can solve global environmental challenges.
This initiative doesn't just grow milkweed; it grows future conservationists and community leaders. Through this hands-on exploration of nature, Christensen and Julesgard are ensuring that science is something their students do, not just something they read about. Ultimately, as the Monarchs return to these newly planted habitats, they will find a sanctuary built by a generation that has learned to love, respect, and protect the natural world.
