Project SOS

I would like to take full credit for that title, but my conscience is telling me to explain that my cousin had the idea during one of our fragmented Nature Army meetings. Project SOS (Save Our Species) is a program we're starting in which you get some friends together and do at least 3 things for a specific species, preferably a threatened species. Because they're native to our area, we have chosen the Monarch butterfly. We will be planting milkweed (the host plant of their caterpillars), holding a fundraiser, planting a butterfly garden, and creating a video to raise awareness. If you live in the Eastern U.S., here are some ideas for your own Project SOS:

Bluebird: Set up mealworm feeders, create bluebird houses, video your bluebird family

Piping Plover: Make flyers, hold fundraisers, pick up trash on the beach

I know that many of you see bluebirds and Monarch butterflies fairly often, but the reason I chose these three animals is that, while they're uncommon, they're not so uncommon that it's likely there isn't one in your area. Planting milkweed in your garden would be pointless (except for the flowers) if there were no Monarchs there to benefit in the first place. These somewhat uncommon species make it easier to help yourself, rather than simply raising awareness or giving money to organizations. (There's a little bit of that too, but notice in the lists of activities I've included at least one activity involving the animal or their habitat.)

Actually, you can get into the Nature Army with just one thing instead of three. Remember, though, that you shouldn't just help once and forget about it. The Monarch butterfly is, I hope, the first of several animals to receive the treatment of Project SOS. If you decide to participate in Project SOS, remember to post a comment! We need more of those.

Comments

[Celia]

Hmm...here are some more animals we could focus on for Project SOS:

-Great Blue Heron
-Rainbow Trout
-Pialated Woodpecker
-Bog turtle (They are adorable!)

With most sincereity,

Celia ?:

[Kira]

Hi! It's me, Kira.
Hey Madison,
How are you doing with Sir Francois the Third down there? I'm really excited to see how his monocle comes out.
Oh, and would you tell him that I beg his utmost forgiveness and did not think of him as a supply. As he would say:
"I am not a sooply! I am he called SIR FRANCOIS THE lll!"
Kira

[Atiya]

Wow, great idea! :)

[Atiya (But if you'd like... My real name's Casey, you can call me that)]

Ok, this is for the nature army count.

For my GS silver award, I am doing something for a wildlife sanctuary. I have raised >500 dollars for a local animal shelter.

I like to think I've made a difference. :)

[Madison]

That's awesome, Atiya!

I've already raised the Nature Army Count. Only 33 more to go!

Forced optimism, but optimism nonetheless.