Boca Raton Student-Led Group Will Help Boynton Beach Middle School Students Learn About Pollinators by Adding a New Garden and Mural

Philanthropy Tank awarded program Growing Native Oases Made for Engagement (GNOME) once again rolled up their sleeves Saturday, January 7th to help provide a hands-on education experience to a local Boynton Beach middle school by adding a garden and mural.

Student volunteers from Florida Atlantic University High School in Boca Raton joined members of Philanthropy Tank, Wise Tribe, and the National Wildlife Refuge Association to plant native plant species throughout the campus of SouthTech Preparatory Academy Middle School. They also painted a mural of a monarch butterfly that will include facts about the insect. The main goal of the project is to bring pollinators to the area and enable middle school students to learn about the importance of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators firsthand.

GNOME is one of five student-led philanthropy programs awarded during the Philanthropy Tank Year 7 Finals Event last year. GNOME was founded by four students at FAU High School. Their mission is to create community butterfly gardens in underserved communities throughout Palm Beach County in the hope of raising awareness about environmental issues.

Philanthropy Tank’s Year 8 Finals Event is scheduled for March 8th.