Poolesville Scout Awarded a National Conservation Medal
The National Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awarded Jason Woodman of Poolesville their Conservation Medal for his outstanding efforts to create a half-acre native plant pollinator habitat in Poolesville, MD. In March 2023, Jason organized 63 volunteers who planted 391 native straight species pollinator plants at the entrance to Stevens Park. Jason’s local newspaper published an article about him receiving this award (https://www.monocacymonocle.com/images/issues_2023/MM_2023-11.pdf page 28)
The beautiful habitat provides a source of native plants, nectar from spring to fall, and a new home for wildlife including a variety of pollinators such as butterflies, birds, and bees. Moreover, the town’s response to his project has been incredible. T own residents enjoy spending time in Jason’s stunning pollinator garden, photographing native flowers and local wildlife in it, and posting comments and photos about it on local Facebook groups. A local artist painted a watercolor of the garden, and a young Poolesville resident released her butterfly in it. Inspired by Jason’s project, some residents now want to create their own native pollinator gardens.
Jason said, “It’s really an amazing honor to be 16 and recognized by a national organization for the pollinator habitat I built. I put in over 187 hours planning and implementing this habitat.” Jason aims to complete a second project to earn the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award (https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/conservation-and-environment/conservation-awards-and-recognitions/bsa-distinguished-conservation-service-award/)(DCSA). “It’s a very rare scouting award and my 2nd project proposal was just approved by the Town of Poolesville and by the National Capital Area Council Conservation Committee,” he said. “I’m ready to start work on it very soon.”
Congratulations to Jason for this remarkable achievement!
