The majestic monarch butterfly, renowned for its epic multi-generational migration across North America, is sadly facing endangerment.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is now proposing to list the monarch butterfly as a "threatened" species under the Endangered Species Act. The proposed listing aims to encourage conservation efforts while minimizing impact on economic activities. This decision comes after the species was listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List in 2022, which was downgraded to "Vulnerable" a year later.
In 2023, scientists and volunteers counted just 233,394 butterflies in the 27th annual Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count, according to a survey from the Xerces Society. The population declined 30% from the previous year’s count, hovering at a mere 5% of the millions regularly recorded in the 1980s. According to its latest assessment, the USFWS puts western monarch population at greater than 99% chance of extinction by 2080.
The long-term population decline is due to habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, as well as the additional stressors of pesticides and climate change. According to the National Wildlife Federation, "housing development and agriculture have chased out the milkweed plants that used to be abundant across America, leading to a huge decline in the monarch butterfly population."
The monarch butterfly needs our help to survive. Here are 3 simple things you can do to help the monarch butterfly:
1. Plant Milkweed
Milkweed is the sole food source for monarch caterpillars. Unfortunately, widespread herbicide use has decimated milkweed populations. You can help by planting native milkweed species in your garden. These plants act as breeding grounds, providing a safe haven for monarchs to lay their eggs and raise the next generation.
Here are some things to keep in mind when planting milkweed:
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They're Perennials, Not Annuals: Native milkweed plants are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. They may not flower every season, but they'll return with proper care. Don't be discouraged if they enter a dormant phase during colder months and lose their leaves. This is part of the growing process!
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Ditch the Neonicotinoids ("Neonics"): Big box stores often sell plants grown using neonics, a class of pesticides harmful to butterflies and other pollinators. These chemicals can contaminate your garden and harm monarch populations. Source your milkweed from a trusted vendor who avoids harmful chemicals.
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Know Your Native Range: Milkweed species vary by region. What thrives in coastal Maryland won't necessarily flourish in the West Virginia mountains. Opt for native varieties specific to your location to ensure optimal growth and benefits for your local monarch population.
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Pick Straight Native Species: Not all plants are created equal. There are straight native species, cultivars, and nativars on the market today. When choosing plants for your garden, prioritize straight species for the greatest benefit to wildlife. While cultivars can offer unique colors and features, they may not support pollinators as effectively as their straight species counterparts.
2. Plant a Pollinator Garden
Milkweed isn't the only plant monarchs need to survive. As adult butterflies, they rely on nectar-rich flowers for fuel during their long migrations. Planting a pollinator garden filled with blooming beauties like goldenrod, aster, and blazing star provides a valuable food source for monarchs and other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
Short on space? You can plant a balcony or container garden to turn your small space into a waystation for travelling monarchs. Every little bit helps!
3. Spread the Word
Raising awareness about the plight of the monarch and how to help is crucial. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of these magnificent creatures and ways they can contribute. Share informative posts on social media and encourage others to join the cause. Millions of people have already joined the fight to save the monarchs. It's going to take everyone to help this species survive.
If you can't plant milkweed and native wildflowers where you live, look for community spaces that can be transformed. Is there a park or community center that could use a garden? Does the local school or church have space for a garden? Every patch of grass can become a pocket garden. Every ornamental flower can be replaced with a native plant. There are opportunities everywhere for us to make small changes that will have a big impact on monarchs and other pollinators.
Garden for Wildlife® Makes it Easy
Want to create a haven for monarchs but unsure where to start? Garden for Wildlife offers a wealth of resources to find the right plants for the right place. Search by zip code to find native plants specific to your region and ensure you're getting the highest-quality, neonic-free native plants to cultivate your own pollinator paradise.
Together, by making small changes, we can make a significant impact on the future of the monarch butterfly. Let's join forces to ensure these captivating creatures continue to grace our skies for generations to come.