News Detail
Senior Eagle Scout Protects Monarch Butterflies and Impacts Glenview Campus
Have you noticed an increase in monarch butterflies around Loyola Academy’s Glenview Campus? If the answer is yes, it’s likely thanks to the Eagle Scout Project of Nicholas Mergner '18.
The goal of Mergner’s project was to increase the monarch habitat locally to align with broader efforts to keep them out of endangerment. With the help of volunteers, the Loyola Academy senior planted 1,200 milkweed seeds, the host plant for monarch caterpillars, across a 12,000 square feet region of Loyola’s Theodore G. Munz, SJ, Campus.
But Mergner and his volunteers didn’t stop there. After they finished the project ahead of schedule, the group went above and beyond—picking up trash from roughly 20,000 square feet of the Glenview Campus and removing harmful invasive plant species including buckthorn, garlic mustard and box elder saplings.
“The experience showed me how much impact I can have, and what I can contribute if I continue to work hard,” said Mergner, who called the project empowering. “Many people mentored and helped me grow as a leader along the way. And as I continue to grow, I know the impact I have will grow, too.”
Loyola Academy
1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1089 | 847-256-1100
Loyola Academy admits students of any race, color and national origin or ethnic origin.
© Copyright 2020 Loyola Academy