Monarch Butterflies and You!

The Monarch Butterfly is well knownnfor its long-distance seasonal migrationnand its spectacular winter gatherings.nWest of the Rockies Monarchs migratento the California coast. Most of California’snMonarchs cluster in groves ofnnonnative Blue Gum Eucalyptus as wellnas Monterey Pine Monterey Cypressnand Redwood.n

Each spring monarchs disperse across California searching for milkweed plants on which to lay their eggs. Milkweed is the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat to grow and develop into adults. Several generations are produced throughout the spring summer and fall with each generation spreading further across the landscape.

 

 

The last generation then migratesnall the way back to the overwinteringngrounds in the fall. Remarkably Monarchsnreturn to the same groves of treesnas their ancestors. Studies of the overwinteringnsites over the past 20 yearsndemonstrate that monarchs have undergonena dramatic 95% decline in thenwestern U.S. since the 1980s (Schultznet al. 2017). 

The planting of milkweed at EYNC created a field of dreams for the returning butterflies offering the only species of plant that Monarchs use for laying their eggs. This is a great place to observe and enjoy these butterflies! And if you want to do even more to help conserve this species consider planting milkweed in your own garden! The two species appropriate for the Sacramento area are:  Showy Milkweed and Narrowleaf Milkweed which can be purchased through these suppliers: 

For milkweed plugs – Hedgerow Farms  (530) 662-6847

For milkweed and pollinator starter kits – Peaceful Valley Farm Supply  (530)272-4769 

 

Read more about creating habitats for Monarchs on the links below.

https://monarchjointventure.org/get-involved/create-habitat-for-monarchs/

https://monarchjointventure.org/images/uploads/documents/GardeningforMonarchs.pdf