Memorial Monarch Garden Planting

Help us plant Milkweeds and other native plants to create a memorial garden for Stephenie Presseller that will showcase both Stephenie’s legacy and monarch butterflies.

Meet us at the small garden plot near UIC Parking Lot 20.

Stephenie Presseller, the former sustainability program director of the Office of Sustainability, passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Stephenie had 20 years of sustainability experience and was an advocate for animals, nature and immigrants. She brought this passion and experience to the PSPM team and made great contributions. Her bright light has been missed. A monarch garden was chosen to honor her memory because when monarchs travel thousands of miles to hibernate in the Oyamel forest of Central Mexico, some communities relate the butterflies to the souls of their returning loved ones and the spirits of the forests. Please join us June 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m, in remembering Stephenie as we plant milkweeds and other native plants.

Read more about monarch conservation at the Heritage Garden’s Monarch Kit and Guide webpage. The monarch guide provides a more in-depth look at the Monarch and Pollinator conservation done by the UIC Heritage Garden, and the monarch kit provides different ways to present the information. Both with the goal of engaging diverse audiences with ideas and actions of conservation, social justice, and cultural diversity.

Please dress appropriately for gardening and remember to bring your water bottle. The event is free, but please let us know if you plan on coming and submit your RSVP online.