In a world where biodiversity is under threat, Greta Lane of Johnson City set out to make a difference through her art and activism. Her project, “The Art of Biodiversity,” earned her a prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award in 2023.

Gold Award Girl Scouts are high schoolers who address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in the community and beyond. It is the Girl Scouts’ highest and most prestigious honor.

Greta’s passion for ecological issues, fueled by her interactions with activists on social media, spurred her to create a project that addresses a critical issue – the loss of biodiversity.

“Biodiversity refers to the diversity among anything living,” said Greta, a member of troop 60. “The loss of biodiversity in our world can have devastating effects on life as we know it. Biodiversity affects everything from produce to medications. The more plants and animals we lose, the more that start to die as a result, so keeping everything in equilibrium in nature is very important for the sustainability of the world.”

Her project, requiring 85 hours of dedication, centered on curating an art exhibition that showcased the beauty of biodiversity and educated her audience on why it’s crucial to protect the environment. On display at East Tennessee State University’s Tipton Gallery for two weeks in June 2023, the exhibition catered to a wide demographic including children, environmental enthusiasts, and art lovers.

Many of the pieces in the show were by local artists showcasing a range of flora and fauna. One of the 3D pieces in the show was on loan from the Southern Lepidopterists’ Society and included butterflies, moths, and insects from all over the world. Greta’s own contributions were regional in nature, specifically focusing on mushrooms native to Appalachia.

“My show aimed to show people how beautiful the diversity in nature can be, and I feel that by using artworks that represent organisms from all over the globe I was able to achieve that,” she said.

Greta’s favorite part of the project was the art opening because she was able to see people engaging with her project in real time. “They came away from my show knowing more about small ways they can help biodiversity, why biodiversity is important, and ways that the world is losing biodiversity.”

Despite encountering obstacles such as finding artists for her show and meeting deadlines, Greta realized that through commitment she could achieve immense tasks and develop valuable skills such as professionalism and time management.

Reflecting on her success, Greta shared, “I reached my goals by including art as well as fun facts about nature and biodiversity around the gallery so people could enjoy the majesty of nature as well as learn about why it is important to protect.”

The Gold Award project left a lasting impression on her: “I learned that I am a very driven person if I set my mind to something. I also learned that I love the feeling of finally accomplishing something after months of hard work.”

Greta hopes her project will continue to inspire and educate others about the importance of biodiversity.

“The kids that I taught walked away from my lesson with new information that hopefully they can remember throughout their lives, and maybe tell their parents about it so they will also gain the knowledge,” she said. “Some people who were not particularly interested in environmentalism went to my show and gained a new perspective.”

Greta is a true embodiment of Girl Scout leadership outcomes: demonstrating a strong sense of self, seeking challenges and upholding positive values.

“Through the Gold Award process, I found out that I can learn so much and achieve so much more than I imagined,” she said. “Above all else, I learned that I am capable.”

Greta is known for being determined, funny, and thoughtful. When she’s not working on ecological initiatives, she spends time with her pets and friends and indulges in her latest passion – crocheting. A rising high school senior, she plans to attend Sewanee: The University of the South to pursue a degree in neuroscience.

Congratulations, Greta! Visit girlscoutcsa.org to learn more about the Girl Scouts.