Celebrated the first Saturday in May, today, May 2, 2020, is National Start Seeing Monarchs Day. Orange, lined with black, and a mixture of white spots, the Monarch butterfly is easily recognizable in the wild. Due to various events causing a reduction in natural habitat, the Monarch butterfly is declining. With your help and simple steps, there is hope for these beautiful winged creatures.
Ways to Help Monarchs and Other Butterflies
Are you wondering how to help the Monarchs and other butterflies? Check out the ideas below to promote the wellbeing of butterflies (and bees) in your area.
- Avoid Harmful Pesticides: Like other insects, when you spray your garden or lawn with pesticides, monarchs die. Avoid using harmful pesticides, go green. Find other options to reduce weeds in your yard.
- Plant Milkweed: A perennial milkweed is a native plant throughout the United States and Canada. The wild flowering plant promotes biodiversity, which helps the Monarchs during their natural migration path. Planting a small patch is a great way to improve the Monarch butterflies’ chances of survival.
- Place Monarch Waystation in Your Yard: A Monarch Way station is a safe place where the butterflies can lay their eggs. A Monarch waystation generally consists of milkweed and other native plants that help provide food for the butterfly population.
- Local Community Cleanup Efforts: Get involved by learning ways to protect the environment. Many communities host cleanup efforts for wildlife areas. (Please note: Right now, community cleanup and other events are delayed due to the pandemic.)
- Learn About Climate Change: Butterflies and other wildlife are at risk. Changing weather patterns disrupt their typical migration path. Learning about climate allows you to take steps to help the Monarchs and the rest of the insect world.
- Research: Learning about the lifecycle of Monarchs and other butterflies (bees too) helps in protecting the species. When you learn about the insects, you can create habitats, waystations, or gardens with their welfare in mind.
- Donate: If you are unable to plant your own milkweed or create a waystation, consider donating to a cause that promotes the protection of Monarchs. Many local organizations work with farmers and other industrial sites to save areas for butterflies. Other places create habitats for butterflies. Do Internet research to find an organization near you.
- Get Social: Even if you cannot donate, use your social media accounts to spread the news about preserving the Monarchs’ habitat. Social media blurbs have the potential to reach millions of people.
Can you imagine a world without butterflies? In their natural habitat, the winged creatures are magical to witness. Learn about Monarchs and other insects to help keep the magic alive for generations to come.
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