Monarch Migration North

The Monarch migration north is underway. Starting in early spring from Mexico, and the coast of California, the orange and black winged wonders travel vast distances to southern Canada and the northeast in the United States.

Several friends in my Sunday School class nurture the fragile chrysalis’ they find on their milkweed plants. Wanting to share their passion for these special winged beauties, they hosted an education day about the Monarch.

Turns out Monarch numbers have diminished dramatically over recent years. Wildflowers and native habits are declining due to herbicide use (weed killer sprays) and other factors contributing to their decline.

Oklahoma is one path the Monarchs use on their journey north. And the butterflies specifically require milkweed for laying their eggs. The larvae then hatch and consume the milkweed plant.

Oklahoma and sixteen other states have conservation programs to benefit the butterflies. And planting native wildflowers and milkweed are one of the ways concerned gardeners can help.

Okiesformonarchs.org is a great place to start if you want to plant some milkweed. You can even register your garden, which is called a Monarch Waystation.

This year, my butterfly enthusiast friends gifted me with some “pink milkweed” seeds: Asclepias syriaca. I was able to nurture a few seeds almost ready to be transplanted. And add to that the native   wildflower packets we got from Okies for Monarchs. The seeds are in the ground with hopes of germination as I wait impatiently.

Image by Gwen M from Pixabay

My own personal sightings of Monarchs can be counted on one hand. I hope they fly in and find my flowers, have lots of eggs, larva, and eventual new butterflies.

Online resources for your own wildflower patch are available: okiesformonarchs.org and monarchwatch.org.

© 2024 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved