Noah Jarrell has always had a heart for wildlife, especially animals whose habitats are at risk. His passion for conservation took flight in 2022 when he successfully partnered with the City of Charleston, West Virginia, to design, install, and certify a Monarch Waystation in his hometown.

Monarch Waystations are specially designed habitats that provide milkweed and nectar plants—critical resources monarch butterflies need to breed, feed, and complete their long annual migration to Mexico. Monarchs rely exclusively on milkweed to lay their eggs, but this essential plant has seen sharp declines due to development and agricultural practices.

Now a resident of Upper Arlington, Noah continues his advocacy by working with local governments and agencies to promote the installation and certification of Monarch Waystations in central Ohio. Earlier this winter, he met with the City’s Parks and Recreation staff to explore how Upper Arlington’s ongoing natural area restoration projects could contribute to monarch conservation.

In 2022, the City’s Parks and Forestry Division removed invasive plant species at Burbank Park and installed a diverse native prairie using seed mixes. These included a tallgrass prairie mix and a pollinator-palooza mix, both of which featured multiple milkweed species and other native forbs and grasses that support monarchs and a variety of local pollinators.

As a result of Noah’s efforts, the City has certified the prairie at Burbank Park as an official Monarch Waystation, with plans underway to certify the bioswale habitat in the Tremont Road Library and Tremont Elementary School parking lots as well.