As a neighborhood DISD school of over 1,000 students, Lakewood Elementary has been an AgriLife Dallas County Master Gardener (DCMG) project since 2014.  Nurturing a strong level of parental and community support and involvement, the gardens have grown to include four distinct areas: a Monarch Heroes butterfly garden, a sensory garden, a pollinator garden, and an outdoor environmental science area known as LOLA.

In March 2021 Dallas County Master Gardener School students installed a pollinator garden in Lakewood’s new courtyard. In less than six months, the beds were already flourishing; and a myriad of dragonflies, butterflies, and other pollinators were visiting frequently. The garden has been PlantTAGG-enabled with signage that allows visitors to learn more about the plant varieties and their care by simply using a QR code on their phones. Several benches and a white board complete this lovely outdoor classroom that students will enjoy for many years to come.

Lessons from the Learn, Grow, Eat & Go curriculum and other Junior Master Gardeners materials introduce students to fundamental gardening principles, healthy eating habits, and the importance of physical activity.

Each fall Lakewood students join with thousands of children from across the United States and Canada in the annual Symbolic Monarch Butterfly Migration, creating symbolic butterflies and sending them to Mexico for the winter. Children at the monarch sanctuaries then “protect” the butterflies and send them north in the spring. United by the monarch butterfly, children learn the importance of conservation, cooperation, and ambassadorship.  As members of the Lakewood Garden Club say: “I’m a Monarch Hero. Ask me what YOU can do to help save the monarchs!”