Once Molly found out that native plants are necessary to Maine’s environment in supporting local birds, butterflies, moths, and other species, she wanted to know if that sentiment was reflected by nearby plant nurseries.
Upon further investigation, Molly found out that most plants used for landscaping and sold by nurseries, are non-native, and that means bad news for native wildlife. In an effort to work towards solving that issue, Molly teamed up with the Maine Audubon Society, Girl Scouts of Maine, and the Falmouth Land Trust to design a Plant Native Patch program. The five-step program would allow Girl Scouts in grades K-12 to learn about why native plants are crucial, how to explore and plant different species in their areas, and how to educate others.
To spread the word, Molly hosted a table eat Green ME Up and handed out over 50 guides on the patch program. As of November 2022, 135 Girl Scouts have earned the patch, just 15 short of Molly’s goal.
“I became more comfortable communicating with others by working with the Falmouth Land Trust, Maine Audubon, and Girl Scouts of Maine. I lived by the Girl Scout Promise and Law during my project by making the world a better place,” said Molly.