This year, science students at Biddeford High School (BHS) and members of their Sustainability Club have taken a significant step in environmental conservation by joining the citywide Mayors’ Monarch Pledge program. This initiative, which encourages communities to protect monarch butterflies and other pollinators, aligns with the school’s dedication to hands-on learning and community engagement.
The effort comes at a critical time for monarch butterflies, whose eastern populations have declined by 90% and western populations by 99% in recent years due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. To help reverse this trend, students have been propagating milkweed stems and cold-stratifying seeds in preparation for spring planting. They are also distributing milkweed seeds to 25 community members, encouraging local families to create their own pollinator-friendly spaces. While the students are not raising butterflies themselves, they hope that by increasing the availability of milkweed—the only plant where monarchs lay their eggs—they will provide essential habitat to help monarch populations recover.
“This project is about growth—both in our environment and in our students,” said Biddeford High School science teacher Cassidy Baranowski. “By actively participating in conservation, students are not just learning about ecosystems in a textbook; they’re taking real steps to improve the environment around them. It’s a powerful experience that teaches responsibility, curiosity, and the importance of small actions leading to big change.”
The Biddeford High School Sustainability Club is also creating informational materials to educate the school community on the importance of monarch conservation and local pollinator protection.
"Working on the Monarch Pledge has shown me how even small efforts—like planting one milkweed plant—can make a difference,” said Biddeford High School Senior Emily Frechette, President of the Sustainability Club. “It feels great to be part of something bigger than just our school. We’re helping our local environment and encouraging others to do the same.”
Launched in 2015, the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge program engages cities and communities in monarch and pollinator conservation. Since its inception, over 600 mayors and local leaders have participated, restoring more than 6,500 acres of monarch habitat and engaging over six million people in conservation efforts. By committing to habitat restoration and education, communities take tangible steps to support the survival of the monarch butterfly and protect vital pollinators. For more information about the Monarch Pledge or to get involved, please visit https://www.nwf.org/MayorsMonarchPledge.
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Biddeford High School Senior | Biddeford High School Senior |
