Program Organizer

The Monarch Sister Schools Program is spearheaded by the nonprofit Natural Partners which believes that hands-on schoolyard projects, with proven lesson plans, can stimulate learning and give a sense of achievement.

Mission. The mission of Natural Partners is to assist grassroots environmental groups to mobilize the financial and human resources needed to manage threatened ecosystems and preserve them for generations to come.

Who are we? We are professionals and volunteers from different walks of life, who have worked for various international and development organizations. Most of us have practical experience in the business world and the public sector, both in the USA and abroad. Natural Partners is a non-profit organization incorporated in Washington, D.C., with 501(c)(3) status granted by the IRS.

An urgent need. Many of the world’s most important ecosystems have already been significantly degraded and reduced in size. In many cases, less than 10% of original areas remain, with only a small fraction of remnants in near pristine condition with their original biodiversity intact. Time is running out, as the losses continue unabated.

Programs. Natural Partners has the following three programs:

1. Atlantic Rainforest Program (Brazil) – a program in partnership with the Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPE), Brazil’s third largest environmental NGO, designed to train and mentor local environmental leaders in the design, funding and implementation of corridor-building projects in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest.
2. The “Eco-travel supporting Conservation” Program (Brazil and Mexico). This Program organizes eco-tours for the ‘aware’ traveler who is interested in learning about our marvelous natural heritage sites and in meeting the local people who are working hard (and need help) to protect those special places.
3. The Monarch Sister Schools Program (United States and Mexico). An innovative program to involve school children in the protection and restoration of the habitat vital to the Monarch butterfly’s life cycle and migratory pattern and, in the process, stimulate their interest in nature and scientific inquiry.

Contact: William Dent, Executive Director/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it