April 9, 2008 – Helping Monarchs Along the Way
When we see monarch butterflies, most of us don't think to ourselves, "I wonder where that butterfly is going," or, "I wonder where it's been." What if the butterfly was making its way from Mexico to Canada? As a matter of fact, the majority of monarchs you see this time of year are doing exactly that!

Every fall, monarch butterflies will fly to Southern California and Mexico from Canada and even Alaska! They make their way to butterfly sanctuaries where they can keep warm for the winter. The butterflies will often fly over 80 miles a day until they reach their destinations.

Until a few years ago, humans were only diminishing the monarchs' chances of surviving their journeys. With our ever-expanding roadways, construction sites, and parking lots, and our ever-decreasing farm land, it was becoming more and more difficult for the butterflies to find the resources they need along the way.

Thanks to the Waystation program, launched in 2005 by the University of Kansas, monarch butterflies are finding more places to stop for their necessary nectar breaks.

A Waystation is basically a plot of land containing various species of milkweed and nectar-producing flowers. The size is up to you. A registered Waystation must contain at least two species of milkweed and four species of nectar-producing flowers, and be larger than 135 square feet.

When choosing the nectar-producing flowers, it is important that they bloom at different times. Some good examples are purple coneflower, goldenrod, and floss flower. If you prefer the plants be chosen for you, Monarch Waystation Seed Kits are available at www.monarchwatch.org for just $16.

Anyone can help monarchs by simply planting a few milkweeds or nectar plants. If you're interested in starting your own certified Monarch Waystation, visit www.monarchwatch.org/waystations for more information and help some monarchs along the way.

Related Document: Spring 08' Newsletter.pdf