Monarch Meadow
Our Monarch Meadow provides a way station for migrating monarchs where they can rest, feed, drink, and possibly lay eggs. This is important because the monarch butterfly, our mascot, is an endangered species. Monarch populations have plummeted due to development/loss of habitat, genetically modified farming practices, and over use of herbicides. Monarchs are a plant-specific species and need native milkweeds for their survival. The environment is one of the critical concerns of Mercy and is a focus for our school.
Our art teacher Lisa Hohenstein and our facilities director Al Eby have worked with our landscaping service to establish perennial wildflowers and native milkweeds in the meadow outside of the art room. Mrs. Hohenstein spots monarchs every summer, which is very promising! Our meadow is certified and listed in the International Monarch Waystation Registry and also certified as a wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. The site is part of the Mercy Ecology network of gardens, www.mercyecology.org
For more information visit: www.monarchwatch.org