32 Our staff biologist tracks ecological and conservation projects conducted by our plants and Valero volunteers and also identifies new projects, including collaborations with environmental nonprofits and nature-based carbon capture opportunities. Biodiversity and Habitat Conservation Valero volunteers from our Ardmore refinery collaborated with a local Boy Scout troop to create a monarch butterfly way station , a habitat with more than 400 plants, to provide the milkweed, nectar and ideal environment for monarchs to thrive. This project received an Honorable Mention from the Frank Condon Award for Environmental Excellence . Valero volunteers at our operations in Peru created a green area for the Márquez community that will contribute to the growth and protection of the environment while providing outdoor spaces for families. For more than 20 years, Valero has partnered with the San Antonio Botanical Garden to promote the enjoyment of a diverse array of plant life and flowers . In 2021, Valero supported the Terrarium Tours program. This STEM-focused, nature-based educational program allowed nearly 5,000 San Antonio students from economically disadvantaged schools to explore diverse plant ecosystems, receive environmental education and create their own terrarium to take home.