The monarch butterfly has
always been the most popular, recognizable and well known species of its kind.
These butterflies bring smiles to people across the United States.
Monarch butterfly numbers
have been decreasing at an alarming rate.
In 2010, monarch butterflies at their migration destination in the
mountains of Mexico occupied about 9.93 acres of habitat. However, that number
had dropped drastically to 1.65 acres.
Experts point to three major reasons for this decline:
Changes in Weather and
Climate Change-Extreme weather conditions are causing a disturbance in monarch
migration.
Midwestern
Agriculture-According to researchers, the biggest and most critical factor in
the decline is the expansion of cropland and a big increase in the use of
genetically modified crops that are resistant to herbicides, which in turn has
led to more herbicide use against native plants that compete with crops.
Illegal Deforestation-Over
the past several decades, logging in Mexico has destroyed large swaths of the
country’s forests, including the few sites where monarchs overwinter. The
Mexican government ruled logging illegal several years ago. However, illegal
logging is still occurring, leaving monarchs with less and less suitable winter
habitat.
What can you do to help?
Lucky for monarchs, there
are ways you can help. Gardening for wildlife is a great way to help provide
food, water, shelter and place to raise young for all types of wildlife.
For monarchs, you can plant
native flowering plants, especially milkweed, to help feed the larvae of these
beautiful butterflies! Learn how your garden can help the survival of monarchs
and other wildlife. This year also get
involved in the www.millionpollinatorgardenchallenge.org. This is a national push for pollinators
involvement.
The City of Washington,
Washington in Bloom, FC Master Gardeners and the Washington Garden Club will be
pushing efforts to not only make awareness for Monarchs BUT ALL pollinators in
this year’s programs. Stay tuned to see
what they have in store!
