Monsanto donates $8,000 to Wetland Watchers

Monsanto volunteers recently presented Harry Hurst Teacher Barry Guillot with a donation from the Monsanto Fund in the amount of $8,000 at the annual Wetland Watchers Celebration.

Harry Hurst Middle announced it has received $8,000 from the Monsanto Fund, a private foundation and the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, to fund activities involved with the nationally recognized Wetland Watchers Service-Learning Project.

The project  is designed to increase the participation of students in environmental projects, increase awareness of wetland values and challenges locally and globally, and provide a greater emphasis on the classroom study of environmental issues.

“We are proud of our partnership with Monsanto,” said Hurst teacher Barry Guillot, the founder and creator of the Wetland Watchers. “The volunteers are always enthusiastic and work so well with the students. This grant will make it possible for over 1,200 5th through 8th grade students to take service trips to our local wetland areas."  

The Hurst Middle Wetland Watchers is a school-based service-learning project that involves students working with experts to test water and soil quality, identifies plants, grow and plant trees, pick up trash, and creating the first public nature trails in the region. Students use the knowledge they gain from these hands-on experiences to host service trips for other students as well as speaking to thousands of people each year through outreach events. Through education, service and awareness, students lead a community effort for wetland conservation.

According to Lindsey Landry, HR Generalist and community representative for Monsanto, “This has been a great opportunity for Monsanto. In addition to donating money to a worthy cause, our employees get to spend quality time with St. Charles Parish students and teach them about the wildlife that can be found in our community.”

The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. Incorporated in 1964, the Fund’s primary objective is to improve the lives of people by bridging the gap between their needs and their resources. The Monsanto Fund is focused on grant-making in four main areas: nutritional well-being through agriculture; science education, primarily on professional development for teachers; the environment, which includes conservation, protection of biodiversity, clean water and restoration of wildlife habitat; and improving the quality of life in communities.