On Feb. 27, Le Petit Papillon Montessori School in Miami announced its partnership with the Reclamation Project at Miami Science Museum.
Launched by Miami artist Xavier Cortada in 2006, the Reclamation Project empowersMiami-Dade Countyresidents to restore South Florida’s coastal ecosystem one seedling at a time. In 2009, Miami-Dade's Sea Grant Extension Program partnered with the Reclamation Project to enhance educational outreach to local schools.
“Through this partnership, students receive an introduction into the importance of our mangrove ecosystems and why they should be protected and restored,” said Dr. Lisa Krimsky,Miami-Dade Countysea grant extension agent. “They develop a sense of ownership and appreciation for mangroves through a mixture of classroom, visual art and hands-on experiences.”
Since the program’s inception, hundreds of South Floridians have grown red mangrove seedlings in art installations that have been successfully planted in restoration sites in the county. A total of eight acres of mangrove habitat have been restored to date.
Although Le Petit Papillon students began their Earth Month initiatives earlier in the year, they are finally able to see the results of their nurturing efforts as the seedlings continue to flourish in time for Earth Day. The faculty and first- through fourth-graders will continue to oversee this temporary eco-art installation through the end of the school year.
Le Petit Papillon Montessori School is at 1021 Biarritz Drive in Miami Beach. For more information, visit www.lepetitpapillonmontessori.com or call 305-867-4244. For more about the Reclamation Project, visit www.reclamationproject.com.