In a world where environmental challenges often feel overwhelming, one determined 8-year-old is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Maeve Keefe, a homeschooler from Sebastian, has launched a campaign to secure federal protection for the Monarch butterfly, a species she describes as “amazing” and “inspirational.” With the clock ticking, Maeve is rallying public support to ensure the iconic insect is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act before a critical deadline on March 12, 2025.
“Monarch butterflies are an amazing insect that means a lot to nature lovers like me,” she said. “They undertake one of the most inspirational migrations in the animal kingdom. They’re important to ecosystems across America as pollinators and are a lovely and iconic species.”
But she’s quick to point out the peril they face: “Sadly, though, their population numbers have been dramatically declining over the past decades, mostly due to habitat loss and pesticide use. This puts them in a lot of danger as a species, and they are currently on a path to extinction if change doesn’t take place.”
Her campaign comes at a pivotal moment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) recently proposed listing the Monarch butterfly as a threatened species, a move that would grant federal protections and help preserve the overwintering grounds essential to their remarkable migration. With a public comment period ending in just days—March 12—Maeve is seizing the opportunity to amplify the cause.
She’s created a petition (available at https://chng.it/kk7VMDpYPQ) and is urging people to sign and share it widely. “Please tell all of your friends and family and spread the word to all of your networks so we can save the Monarch butterfly together,” she said.
The FWS is also accepting direct comments from the public via an online portal (https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137-0001) or by mail, postmarked no later than March 12, to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. Maeve hopes people will take a moment to voice their support.
This isn’t Maeve’s first foray into conservation. Last year, she founded “Wolf Mountain Gear,” a small business selling handmade tracking bandanas and outdoor gear to raise funds for wolf conservation.
After months of selling her creations at local craft fairs, she donated $400 to Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Naples, Florida, traveling there with her father, Peter Keefe, to deliver the contribution in person. In previous years, she rallied friends to support a local fox sanctuary by raising money and crafting toys.
Her mother, Jasmine Keefe, a homeschooling parent and founder of the nonprofit Change the World of One, said service and stewardship are cornerstones of their family life. “When I heard about this issue, I told Maeve about it right away, knowing she would want to do something about it,” Jasmine said.
Maeve’s drive reflects a broader ethos her family embraces. “I believe that everyone, everywhere, can make change in his or her own corner of the world, regardless of age, circumstance, or experience,” Jasmine explained. “Instilling a love of nature and a habit of service to others when children are young is monumental in training a new generation of conservationists and world changers.”
Beyond her activism, Maeve is a typical 8-year-old with a zest for life. She enjoys wolves, foxes, books, camping, fencing, ice skating, bike riding, and exploring nature with friends and family. Yet her focus remains sharp: she wants her efforts to not only sway policymakers but also inspire others to act. “There’s one more thing,” she added. “You can also help the Monarchs in your area by planting local milkweed and making sure it is never sprayed with pesticides.”
With just days left until the FWS comment period closes, Maeve’s message is clear: every voice counts. For more information, contact Jasmine Keefe at 772-453-6513 or jasmine.keefe26@gmail.com.
To sign Maeve’s petition, visit https://chng.it/kk7VMDpYPQ before March 12. For details on Monarch conservation, check out https://www.fws.gov/initiative/pollinators/save-monarch.
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