As a way to help improve the overall environment, and to aid some specific creatures in need, a handful of FLIGHT Program students at Brush High School recently took the first steps to learn more about suitable ecological practices, and to take action to enhance the surrounding habitat. Through a partnership with the Greater Cleveland Metroparks, Brush High FLIGHT students and City of Lyndhurst Mayor Joe Cicero spent an early spring afternoon planting milkweed seeds that will germinate in the science classroom and green house facility of Mr. Marth, and which will be later transported to a nearby park for final planting. Milkweed seeds, according to Metroparks Representative Dr. Constance Housman, are a vital food source for the Monarch Butterfly as they lay eggs. These brightly colored and common insects make a vast migratory journey each year, often times stopping for food sources on their pathway from Mexico to the northern tundra of Canada. To help provide more food, FLIGHT students planted several pods of milkweed earlier this week, so that they can germinate over an 8-week period and then be planted in nearby Metroparks, including Acacia. FLIGHT program assistant adviser Adam Swirsky was happy to have Mayor Cicero and Dr. Housman attend this initial planting with the students who participated. Please stay tuned for future updates regarding the FLIGHT program’s work to improve mother nature. Congratulations to the students who participated!