DCMG Nicole Jones Recognized as Iconic Monarch Hero
Join National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in celebrating teachers whose innovation, commitment, and leadership over the years has defined them as iconic Monarch Heroes on their campus and in their community! This prestigious group of ten educators across the state includes DCMG Nicole Jones, first grade teacher at Lakewood Elementary. NWF asked the nominees to share three reflections about their campus monarch gardens and what makes them personally meaningful.
Inspired by the Monarch Heroes Program, I have worked to make monarch and pollinator conservation a vibrant and lasting part of our school culture. I have helped transform unused campus spaces into thriving native habitats and outdoor learning environments. Students learn about the Monarch’s life cycle and migration while experiencing firsthand how their actions, which include planting native milkweed and nectar plants, can positively impact the environment.
This work has strengthened community involvement, encouraged cross-grade collaboration, and fostered a culture of environmental stewardship among students and staff. The transformation of our outdoor spaces is remarkable. Areas once covered with invasive Bermuda grass and slated for resodding have become a native prairie and monarch butterfly haven.
My favorite memory is our annual wildflower seed stomp. It started as a small class activity and has become a schoolwide tradition. Students learn how to plant native wildflower seeds and scatter them across our prairie.
They come back often to look for new seedlings. In spring, my class visits the blooming garden to take Mother’s Day photos. These moments always fill them with pride and wonder. Seeing students connect their hard work to the beauty in the garden makes this event one of the most meaningful and joyful parts of our year.
Creating and caring for our school garden, a vibrant pollinator habitat, has been one of the most meaningful parts of my teaching journey. The Monarch Heroes Program sparked my passion for native plants and conservation, which led me to become a North Texas Master Naturalist and Dallas County Master Gardener.
I use what I have learned to guide students, support teachers, and share with our community. The garden is a place for learning, reflection, and connection. Here, children care for living things, explore nature, and discover the difference they can make.
