By: Suhrat Islam
Williamsville East Environmental Research Club will begin building a butterfly garden at Maple East Elementary this spring, turning the school courtyard into a monarch habitat and an outdoor classroom for younger students. The club is also developing a fundraising plan to support supplies in butterfly related costs as the project moves from planning to action. Advisor Ms. Kramer said the idea grew out of the AP with WE service program, where students research issues and design tangible action plans. The butterfly garden group originally intended to break ground last year, but the timeline shifted because of scheduling and a major roof reconstruction project at Maple East. After consulting with the principal, the team has officially entered the implementation phase, and Ms. Kramer said students will “construct and plant the garden,” creating “a vibrant habitat for monarchs.”
Ms. Kramer called the effort “more than just a garden”, emphasizing its community impact. The project is designed to connect high schoolers and elementary students through mentorship while also promoting conservation and biodiversity in the local area.
Officer Eliana P. said the club plans to provide volunteer opportunities at Maple East so students can fulfill service requirements while making “an exuberant opportunity to impact the environment.” She added that officers have taken steps to educate others about monarch decline and will organize structured fundraising events when needed.
Club member Darshini D. said she first learned about the project through the club’s outreach, especially social media. She said that she joined because monarchs are declining and she hopes the garden encourages students to protect endangered species.
Looking ahead, Ms. Kramer said the club may expand into a larger science or sensory garden that students can use to investigate plant growth and life cycles.