Monarch Butterflies

As you may have heard, the International Union for Conservation of Nature reported this July that the monarch butterflies are now endangered because they are threatened by climate change and destruction of their habitats including from pesticides. In their annual migration, these stunningly beautiful butterflies travel from Canada or the United States to Mexico which is close to 2,500 miles.

On a personal note, a few years ago, I noticed my neighbors beautiful gardens in front of their house with a sign posted that they were a Monarch Waystation – a place where monarchs can continue their migration and produce future generations. I went home and read about this national network of Waystations. I then planted over the the past two years what is required to attract and support monarchs (including milkweed, flowers with nectar, and a commitment to no pesticides). I also signed up to have our garden be part of the national network of Waystations. This summer, we have seen the results and have been amazed by the increase in butterflies, including monarchs, black swallowtails and eastern tiger swallowtails.

You can be part of the Monarch Waystations, too! Questions or to join with me and others to see if a Waystation is possible at church, email Jenny Amory.