Hayden Gaunt plants a tree at the Tenison Park Pollinator Garden. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Schulz.)

As pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, decline across the country, a sixth-grader is doing his part to save them.

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Hayden Gaunt, a student at William B. Travis, planted a tree Saturday at the Tenison Park Pollinator Garden while teaching neighbors about the plant’s medicinal properties.

Hayden Gaunt speaks about the “toothache tree.” (Photo courtesy of Amanda Schulz.)

The leaves and bark of the “toothache” tree that Gaunt planted contain an anesthetic that Native Americans and early pioneers used to numb the gums around an infected tooth. Neighbors had the opportunity to sample the leaves and experience the numbing sensation before the tree was planted at the garden sponsored by the Hollywood Santa Monica Neighborhood Association.

The native Texas plant was the perfect fit for the garden because it is a host for the giant swallowtail butterfly.

Gaunt’s project — which included prepping the planting area, researching pollinator gardens, writing a paper and giving a presentation — satisfied the requirements for his independent school project.

It also made him the first youth in District 14 to complete a project under new park board representative Amanda Schulz. As a representative, she said she hopes to increase youth service projects at neighborhood parks, trails and recreational facilities.

Gaunt also enjoys learning about solar energy and water reclamation. He wants to become an architect of tiny houses.