After a record low year for monarchs we can’t help but think about what positive actions we can take to support this dramatic butterfly’s population.
One easy thing: Plant some milkweed.
Right around NOW is the perfect time to do this. The pods are cracking open around the country, revealing mature seeds, ready to be collected and either sowed or more intentionally planted in yards, parks, reserves, and other greenspaces. A good rule of thumb for timing is to get these seeds in the ground after the first killing frost of the fall. For lots of you that is right about now.
Check-out this video on harvesting milkweeds, and remember, don’t take them from protected areas (that sort of defeats the point).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26695859@N00/9593619433/
reprinted from YardMap
Related articles
- Monarch Butterflies Struggle For Survival (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
- Study: Americans willing to pay for monarch butterfly conservation (summitcountyvoice.com)
- A Weed, a Butterfly and a King (jenniferwmorgan.wordpress.com)
Eliza Waters 
Thanks for the lesson . I learn something every day!
🙂
I love the message here- we can all contribute in such beautiful/simple ways 🙂
I really like your blog! You always post such beautiful things. Nature is lovely and needs to be praised/appreciated/respected/loved… you do just that. Thank you! 🙂
Thanks for your kind feedback…we are definitely in mutual admiration, as I too, enjoy reading your posts! I’ve been meaning to tell you like the new b/w photo of you.
🙂
You’re quite welcome! And thank you so much! 😀