Ah, the Monarch Butterfly. What an amazing creature!! But, for how much longer?
It's official—Monarch butterflies are on the Endangered Threatened Species "Red List." Their status was announced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature last week, but we still await a status change from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Some of the largest contributing factors include significant loss of milkweed habitat and growth, as well as an increased use of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals. Now for the good news. As said by John F. Kennedy, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
Here are some simple ways our community can save Monarchs, other butterflies, and our entire pollinator network:
Plant native!
Find native flowers that bloom during each season.
Plant native milkweed within your growing region.
Keep your property and green spaces chemical-free.
Determine if your city has guidelines in place to prevent toxic runoff and protect our pollinators!
Are there guidelines in place for local parks, green spaces, city property, and schools?
Explore giving options (both monetary and non-monetary) to help fund and maintain new beautification programs, green spaces, native planting experiences, nature hubs, and pollination stations.
Share your impact. We encourage you to tag us on social media showing off your gardening skills, green spaces, flower gardens, and the butterflies in your community that you are helping protect!
Instagram: @WaterwayAdvocates
Facebook: @WaterwayAdvocates
Twitter: @FLWaterways
LinkedIn: @WaterwayAdvocates
Without immediate climate action, our pollinator numbers will continue to drop significantly. Without pollinators, we do not have food. Without food, humans will be challenged. Then, what?