Free milkweed plants offered to schools, educational nonprofits

Monarch Watch is giving away free milkweed plugs to schools and other educational nonprofit organizations to create and support habitat for monarchs and pollinators.

Schools or nonprofit educational organizations may apply by going to https://tinyurl.com/yc4hcz5z.

Clear, digital photos, maps of the garden area and a letter of support are required for consideration. The application process cannot be saved midway through, so information should be gathered before applying. To view a sample form and learn what materials are needed for the application, go to https://monarchwatch.org/a/sample-free-milkweed-form.pdf.

Schools and educational nonprofits will be given highest priority in the milkweed offer.

Other information that will benefit application consideration include:

• Educational goals of garden clearly described.

• A clear, long-term maintenance plan for the garden space.

• Adequate space (>100 square feet) and light (>6 hrs per day).

• Spring/summer/fall nectar sources existing or to be added in addition to milkweed.

• Administrative support: Demonstrate in writing that landscape crews will not pull the plants or repurpose the space in the foreseeable future.

• A commitment to sending an evaluation of the garden success and spring/summer/fall photos of the planting and maintenance of the garden.

All application materials must be completed before review by Monarch Watch. Once the application has been submitted, save the confirmation email that is received. If a confirmation is not received, the form was not submitted.

If an organization qualifies, a free flat of 32 milkweed plugs (plants), as well as guidance on how to create a new habitat or enhance an existing garden will be provided. The Natural Resources Defense Council has provided funds for the project.

For questions, email Angie Babbit at monarch@ku.edu.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Monarch Watch offers free milkweed to schools, educational nonprofits