Elwood-John H. Glenn High School junior Abby Taft recently earned her Girl Scouts Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for creating a beautiful native milkweed garden at Wawapek Preserve in Cold Spring Harbor.  

Taft presented her project at the preserve on Aug. 25, showcasing the garden she built with the help of her parents, fellow scouts and volunteers from the North Shore Land Alliance. Her project not only provides a vital habitat for monarch butterflies but also raises awareness about the conservation of these important pollinators.
In addition to building the garden, Taft led a series of educational talks to teach the community about the declining monarch population and the importance of conservation efforts. 

“Congratulations, Abby,” Assistant Principal Lindsay Fritch said. “Your dedication and hard work are bound to leave a positive impact on our local ecosystem for years to come.”

Date Added: 9/12/2025