OUR STORY
Rooted In a Love for Nature & Education
Photo © Dawn Parendo
About Melinda Vaughn & the School Pollinator Fund
Photo by Melinda Vaughn
Melinda was known for her kindness, and her sunny smile brightened the day for everyone around her. A loving mother, wife, daughter, and sister, she died of COVID-19 before a vaccine was available. Her sister Jenny Scholtes created the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund in her honor. Melinda’s love of flowers, plants, nature education, and wildlife guide the organization’s work.
The School Pollinator Fund is a tribute to Melinda’s special connection with monarch butterflies, bringing native plants that attract these and other pollinators to Minnesota K-12 school gardens. In addition, the fund will provide pollinator programming and other resources to Minnesota teachers.
Learn more about the program in our FAQ.
Melinda Vaughn. Photo © Kelly Kightlinger
Help the Program Thrive
Your donation can help the program become an essential component of pollinator education in Minnesota schools.
Photo © Dawn Parendo
How to Get Involved
We are now taking applications for school pollinator projects. Two schools in the Minneapolis Public Schools district will be selected for the 2022-2023 school year. More districts will be included in future years. Apply as a teacher or administrator or share with educators in your network.
Volunteer
Interested in donating some time to help students and pollinators? Visit our FAQ to learn more about volunteering with us or contact us for volunteer opportunities.
Partner With Us
Is your organization focused on pollinators, environmental education, gardening, or conservation? Visit our FAQ to learn more about partnering with us or contact us about partnering possibilities.