Star Power: Bristol Joseph

Meet Service Star Bristol Joseph. She is a 13-year-old who has dedicated herself to protecting nature. When she was 11, she started the Magical Milkweed Market. This project involves growing and selling milkweed plants. These plants are a vital food source for monarch caterpillars. TFK Kid Reporter Hanming Wang spoke with Bristol about her efforts to help the environment.

Bristol grew up in a family that loved gardening and spending time outdoors. Her mother and she became concerned when they learned that the monarch butterfly population was declining. They decided to take action to help the species recover.

After conducting research, they discovered that milkweed plants are the only food source for monarch caterpillars. Without these plants, the young butterflies cannot survive. Consequently, Bristol and her mother decided to start selling milkweed to help the monarchs find the food they need. This simple realization sparked a journey that would change their community and help wildlife.

Bristol’s passion for nature was not something she inherited overnight. It was built through countless hours spent in her backyard with her mother. They watched the seasons change and noticed how the local insect populations shifted. This personal observation deepened their resolve. They wanted to ensure that monarchs would always have a place to feed and grow.