The End of One Migration- and the Time Before the Next One

It seems that just like Monarchs, I too migrated somewhere else for the winter. Now after a little hibernation (ie, busy constructing a very special project that I will tell you about soon) I have returned to this blog. Even though this year’s Monarch migration to over-wintering sites in Mexico has passed, now is the time to prepare for their journey back.

What exactly do I mean by preparation? It may seem like it’s the Monarchs who do all the work, but they are now in need of our help. All around the world, people, places, and animals are beginning to feel the pressures of a changing environment, and Monarchs are no exception. Monarch butterfly populations have dropped drastically (more than 80% reduced since 1997 Xerces Foundation) and their migration, which is a biological phenomena, is at risk of extinction. Monarchs are being threatened by the effects of climate change, habitat loss from deforestation and urbanization, and wide-scale pesticide use. This amazing species needs to be preserved for many reasons—they are important pollinators, serve as environmental indicators, are the only migrating butterfly, support biodiversity, inspire art and poetry, and are generally admired by people everywhere.

But how does this concern the average citizen? Obviously,one person can't single handedly save a whole species, but there is a way to help. Due to a variety of factors, migration routes have shifted and now Monarchs are beginning to migrate more frequently through Arizona. In order to preserve the species, Monarchs need nectar sources to fuel them through the migration, as well as a supply of milkweed on which to lay their eggs. Milkweed is the only plant that can raise Monarch caterpillars, and much of the supply is being removed as many people consider it a “weed”or being treated with pesticides that kill the caterpillars. Viable milkweed sources are limited but are essential for monarch survival. Milkweed and nectar sources combined form the ideal habitat for the Monarch butterfly, and these types of habitats are needed all along their migration pathway. And that's where you come in. Our way of preparing for the monarch migration is by preparing our gardens to receive them.