How You Can Help Save The Monarch Butterfly

The most current headline of February 2024 states that the Monarch butterflies have decreased in population by 59% from the previous year at their central Mexico overwintering site. But there are ways to save our iconic butterfly in our area. The program starts with a brief review of the Monarch butterfly's life cycle from egg to adult.  However, the emphasis will be on becoming a Monarch Watch Waystation for the Monarchs, establishing a summer and early fall habitat in the garden, and migration through the area. The Monarch Watch Waystation application will be used as a guide on what is required to be certified, including the type of milkweed host plants for the caterpillars, suggested nectar annual and perennial plants for the adult butterflies, and sustainable management practices that Monarch Watch recommends. The Monarch butterfly's plight during their migration through our country in the fall and then the spring and in their Central Mexican overwintering site will conclude the program.