Today we’re setting aside the birds for a moment to feature the latest entry to the Endangered Species List, the migratory monarch butterfly. Added this week by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, these essential pollinators are threatened by habitat loss and climate change. By planting native milkweeds, the required host plant for the caterpillars, and eschewing the use of pesticides, we can insure their existence well into the future.
Pictured is a monarch on common milkweed in my Fountain City backyard two years ago. This year I have a bumper crop of milkweed. I’ve only seen one monarch butterfly this year and no caterpillars at all. Hoping to see that change over the next two months.