Oskaloosa High School Pheasants Forever Sponsor “Monarch Butterfly Waystation”

The Oskaloosa High School Pheasants Forever chapter recently sponsored and participated in planting a “Monarch Butterfly Waystation”. This is a project provided by the STEM initiative of Iowa, ISU Extension, and Lynne Campbell as the representative from the Ames area AEA. The planting provides a stop over for some of the millions of Monarch butterflies that migrate annually from Mexico to Canada and return. Over 50 plants were planted in the prairie flowerbed that is located next to the bike path north of the high school. These native species contained flowers that provide pollen and nectar for many varieties of pollinator insects. They also sowed milkweed seeds, gathered locally, to provide a food source for Monarch caterpillars. Members of the chapter, students from high school biology classes, and the 4H Lego League also participated.

The High School Pheasants Forever Chapter raises money for conservation education as well as carrying out habitat restoration projects. They are currently working on their 6thannual Banquet, which is scheduled for November 19, 2016 at 5:00 pm in the high school cafeteria. The meal will be provided by The Spirit Café students along with the FFA students providing smoked pork loin. Area retailers and businesses generously donate items to be live and silent auctioned at the event.