The native swamp milkweed planted by Bolles Upper School Environmental Science students earlier this spring is flourishing – and so are the monarchs, gulf fritillaries and other butterflies it was meant to protect.

Following a May 7 visit from Adam Arendell, a board member of the Florida Native Plant Society, students learned about the dangers of invasive tropical milkweed and its impact on monarch populations. With guidance from Arendell and Bolles science teacher Dr. Brett Moyer, the class planted native white milkweed outside the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation as a healthier alternative.

Now, just a few months later, the garden is thriving. The native plants have taken root beautifully, and monarch butterflies have been spotted regularly visiting the area – a promising sign that the plants are doing their job. Students and faculty alike have enjoyed watching the butterflies return, offering a real-time lesson in the power of native landscaping and environmental stewardship. #BollesInnovates