Today I attended the Monarch butterfly release at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. This particular butterfly's migration journey was much different than the usual route. Maraleen Manos-Jones, who advocated on the butterflies behalf, was able to obtain a free ticket on Southwest Airlines for her and the beautiful insect from Albany, NY to San Antonio, TX. Camera crews from local news stations covered the event. Thank goodness the butterfly survived the flight in good condition. This was definitely a win-win for all parties who participated in the event. I'm sure Southwest Airlines got a ton of free PR and Maraleen was able to bring awareness to the struggles the Monarchs are facing. Luckily, this little butterfly is closer to its winter migration home.
While driving home, I reflected on my encounters with Monarchs. I remember in the mid 70's being in Harlingen, TX during peak migration time. There were hundreds and hundreds of butterflies everywhere. Now I see so few of them that they are a special treat when spotted in my garden. On my way home, I noticed a parcel of land being turned over by bulldozers. To some, the plants might look like weeds, however I've noticed thistles, sunflowers and white mistflowers growing in this spot. All are important butterfly nectar and host plants. As more and more butterfly habitat is being destroyed by impeding climate change, drought and increased pesticide usage, it remains harder and harder for butterflies to survive. Even with my little butterfly garden, I see how hard it is for the life cycle to be completed. Thanks to wasps, I haven't had any Monarch caterpillars survive past the first instar stage.
Even though I just have four Milkweed plants and some Gregg's Blue Mistflower, I'm amazed at how many butterflies these plants attract. I'm so glad to help these struggling creatures and ensure the species for future generations to enjoy them.
What can you do to help the Monarch butterflies?
1.) Plant host and nectar plants, including Milkweed and Gregg's Blue Mistflower
2.) Join Monarch Watch and create a Monarch waystation in your garden.
3.) Do not use any pesticides in your garden.
4.) Check out
Beautiful post, Steph. I'm glad that you went to this so we could hear about it. I had seen the story on the butterfly transport and loved that you followed up.
ReplyDeleteIf you see someone in the field digging plants, that might be me! I've been digging like a crazy lady since they started the road construction.
Thank you Shirley. It was a beautiful event. It was difficult to find the butterfly that had just been released since there were so many butterflies in the garden.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you - I wanted to dig up the fragrant white mistflower when I saw it growing on construction sight.
They definitely are attracted to both of those- at the nursery they seem to love the Mexican Flame Vine as well as the Butterfly Bush as well. They were everywhere this weekend and still there yesterday- all over the Agastache yesterday. I love to watch them- so very peaceful. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks kacky. It seems we are at peak migration time. I've seen so many butterflies in the past few days. I guess as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler they make their way South. Thanks for mentioning what plants the Monarchs favor. I'm looking to add so more butterfly plants to my garden. I will put these on my list.
ReplyDeleteHey Steph - man I wish I knew about this I would have totally gone! How can ya tell I don't watch the news. Ha! Great post and what a lovely story. So butterfly forum...hmmmmmmmmmmm....how can we start one? If you start one I will participate! :) Cheers
ReplyDeleteHeather, we should start a butterfly forum in SA. I elect Monika Maeckle as President of our club:) I will contact her and see if she is interested.
DeleteHey neat! I'd read about that story in the San Antonio paper. And hey, if you email me your address I'll send you some snapdragon seeds.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheryl. I heard people refer to this event as the "butterfly effect". The travels of one Monarch butterfly makes a difference and brings awareness to all Monarch butterflies. Pretty cool!
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