First Steps runs alongside the academic year, starting in September and concluding in May. This timeline helps communities plan and execute their sustainability projects effectively.

To sign up, contact us at missy@thesustainabilityalliance.org to express your interest, and we will guide you through the onboarding process.

The program offers various tracks focusing on different aspects of sustainability, such as facilities, service, and capacity builder. Each track is designed to be flexible and can be customized to meet your community's specific needs.

Communities joining mid-year can still participate. We’ll help you integrate into the program at an appropriate point and catch up with the scheduled activities.

Any faith community, nonprofit or educational institution (or club within the institution) that is interested in sustainability and stewardship is welcome to join. We tailor the program to fit organizations of various sizes.

Participants receive a program handbook, access to funding support, data collection tools, and regular support from the program coordinators. We also facilitate monthly check-ins and provide a platform for sharing experiences with other communities.

Yes, feedback is an integral part of the program. We provide regular assessments and support to help you monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your sustainability strategies.

First Steps is a guided initiative designed to help organizations implement sustainable practices. The program offers resources, support, and a framework for communities to engage in environmental stewardship.

There is no fixed cost to participate in First Steps. However, we encourage communities that can afford to contribute a donation to help sustain the program and expand its reach.

The main commitment is to actively participate and engage with the program activities throughout the year. We encourage consistent involvement to maximize the benefits for your community.

Monarch butterflies lay eggs only on milkweed plants; their caterpillars/larvae feed only on milkweed plants.

You may find plants at monarchwatch.org, at nurseries, farmer’s markets, and spring gardening events, and on eBay, Amazon.com, and other internet sites. For seeds, shop monarchwatch.org, elsewhere online, or check with the Tulsa City-County Library Seed Exchange and Oxley Nature Center. Verify that plants and seeds are 100% pesticide free (no pesticides, including organic pesticides, are butterfly friendly.)

Plants generally have a higher success rate than seeds. Larger areas may require seeding.

If sowing into a natural area, native plants should be used. In the home garden, both native and nonnative plants are suitable.

One or more; there is no upper limit. If planting more than one, include multiple species. A Certified Monarch Waystation must have at least three species.

Both are OK.

Details are under Monarch Waystation Program at monarchwatch.org. Certification shows that you are contributing to Monarch conservation. Upon certification, your site will be included in the International Monarch Waystation Registry, an online listing of Monarch Waystations, and you will be awarded a certificate bearing your name and your site’s unique Monarch Waystation ID number. You can purchase a waterproof sign to display on your site.

Plant nectar and milkweed plants, provide water, and create a Monarch Garden, Habitat or Waystation.

Seeds can be harvested when pods begin to pop open. If harvested too soon, the seeds will not be viable

A plant that dies each year. Many shed seeds which emerge the next year

Sow outside in fall or spring, or start seeds inside in mid-February for planting mid-March or April. Instructions are at monarchwatch.org/milkweed/prop.htm.

Northern migration from Mexico usually starts in March. They arrive from late March to mid-June; each year is different. The final generations of Monarchs are migratory and fly back to Mexico in September and October.

Plants are available usually by April. Perennials can be planted as late as October.

Visit monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/harvesting-milkweed.

A plant that lives two years or longer

Sugar-rich liquid produced in flowers and elsewhere in a plant.

In an area that receives at least 6 hours of sun a day. Well-drained, light soils are better than those with clay. You may add peat, aged compost, or rotted leaves. Herbicides are not butterfly friendly.

tulsalibrary.org/tags/tccl-seed-library