My name is Kaitlynn and I am a 10 year old, fifth grader at Washington Elementary School in Summit, New Jersey. This was my first time participating in the TREP$ program and I really enjoyed it!
I love butterflies! I am upset that the Monarch Butterfly is on the endangered species list because their habitats are dying due to climate change, pesticides and pollution. When the TREP$ program was introduced to my class, I thought that maybe I could help the butterflies by planting flowers.
My mom and I talked about my many flower ideas. I decided to sell flower pots with butterfly attracting wildflower seeds in them. New wildflowers will create new habitats for the Monarchs when they migrate through New Jersey. I found the non-GMO, special wildflower seeds and biodegradable flower pots online. I still needed the perfect name for my product, though. One day at recess, I was excitedly telling my friend that my little cousin was going to become a permanent member of my family. She came to live with my Aunt as a foster child and now they will have each other to love forever. My friend and I smiled at each other – that was it. Adopt-a-Flower was born! I placed the organic potting soil into each biodegradable flower pot then added butterfly attracting seeds. My mom donated some of her wrapping supplies. I wrapped each flower pot with white tissue paper, tied each with a yellow ribbon and added a simple, peach colored Adopt-a-Flower label to complete my packaging.
My product, all 50 Adopt-a-Flower flower pots, SOLD OUT! My class decided as group to donate half of our proceeds to several different charities, one of which is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I am so happy that the sale of my product will help the Monarchs and children!
All of my customers were instructed to plant their Adopt-a-Flower flower pot as soon as possible in a sunny place in their yard. I hope to see lots of new wildflowers in Summit!
