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Mon, Jul 15, 13 at 22:08
| Because of a combination of bad luck, drought, development of subdivisions, and the near eradication of milkweed plants in the agricultural regions with Round-Up ready crops, the incredible Monarch butterfly has declined dramatically in just the past year. There were about one third the number of butterflies overwintering last season as there had been just one year earlier. But, we can pull them back from the brink by simply planting milkweed, which the baby caterpillars need to eat, and planting flowers that can provide nectar to support them on their long flight to Mexico in the fall and then back north in the spring. For more information, visit Monarch Watch to learn more about where you can purchase milkweed plants or seeds, and which are the best nectar plants (including many annuals). Thanks for your attention to this critical issue. Together we can have a huge impact. Martha |
Here is a link that might be useful: Monarch Watch
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Thank you! |
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- Posted by trovesoftrilliums 5 (My Page) on Wed, Jul 17, 13 at 14:34
| This year our county fair is putting up a butterfly house. My son and I attended the education night so that we can act as volunteers in the house and we learned about Monarch watch and their tagging efforts, etc. They mentioned that this spring population levels in Mexico were lowest on record since they began tracking in 1975. The graph showing the decline is pretty sobering. We have our couple of patches of milkweed and hope to see some monarchs show up one year. |
Here is a link that might be useful: graph
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I have noticed this, and I have a LARGE stand of common milkweed. I was drawn to the pond a couple days ago by the scent. Sure enough it was all blooming, and even though I have checked numerous times since, I have yet to see butterfly's. I think I have seen no more than 6 of all varieties so far this year. Normally I have tons of them!  I also have some milkweed in another variety up by the house, and have not had any there either! It's concerning. |
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- Posted by ilovemyroses 8 Dallas TX (My Page) on Wed, Jul 17, 13 at 22:11
| I have seen very few butterflies of any variety this year! Bees, but no butterflies. So sad |
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- Posted by prairiemoon2 zone 6a/MA (My Page) on Fri, Jul 19, 13 at 3:21
| Me too. I saw another one today which I was happy about. Maybe they will increase as the summer continues. I see a lot more bees this year, which I am very happy about. |
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| I spend most of my time on the butterfly forum, and most areas have had a significant lack of butterflies this year. But, things are really picking up just this week in many regions. Last summer was a terrible drought, and this spring was cool and wet. So, things were off to a slow start. But, it's getting better. Just keep growing the native plants and heavy nectar annuals, etc., and you'll be rewarded with visits eventually. Thanks for taking the time to respond to the post and spread the word to gardening folk and others. Martha |
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