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Health & Fitness

Ensuring the Reign of the Monarch: 10 Ways to Help

The last blog post was a little depressing with all of the information about the status of Monarch butterfly migrations and populations.  There is hope, though, if we all can do some of the suggested steps.  If you can do them all, that’s great and what we should aim for, but even if everyone took one or two steps, that could really help the Monarchs and keep their incredible migrations intact.  It’s our individual actions that can really add up and make a difference to the other animals that call the United States home. 

 

1. Add milkweed plants—there are several species, but they must be in the Asclepias genus and should be appropriate for our area). Consider becoming a Monarch Waystation

2. If you already have a garden that meets the criteria for being a Monarch Waystation, then think about certifying your garden and purchasing a sign to spread the word about the needs of Monarchs.

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3. If you don’t have a yard, there are other ways to help out the Monarchs.  Options are to help an area school or other public garden become more friendly for Monarchs.

4. Decide where to buy your plants and seeds.  This step is not to be taken lightly.  Milkweeds are becoming popular, and so many nurseries may be growing them and using pesticides, which will kill the very animals you are trying to help.  This caution applies to all pollinator and butterfly friendly nectar plants.  Ask the retailer what pesticides are used, and if they can’t answer, it’s better to not buy the plants.  There are many growers out there who stay away from pesticides. In Oak Park, Green Home Experts is planning on stocking native plants in the spring from reputable growers, and in River Forest, Good Earth has had native plants too.

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5. Research what fall nectar plants you can add(native asters, goldenrods, ironweeds, eupatoriums and non-native annual Mexican Sunflowers and zinnias are good starts) .  These will help the Monarchs as they make their way south.  These migrating individuals need to GAIN weight as they travel because they will enter a hibernation-like state for the winter.  There are too few spots for them to fuel up.

6. If you have relied on using pesticides in your yard and gardens and now want to attract Monarchs and other pollinators, now is the time to learn about encouraging biodiversity in your yard and how to stay away from pesticides.

7. If you use a landscaper, question their pesticide use and other factors that can harm wildlife.  Find a landscaper who is environmentally responsible.  Just because they have “green” in their name doesn’t mean they are Green—usually the opposite is true.  Most of the landscapers with “green” in their names are the complete opposite of what Green should mean (Heavy duty mowers, leaf blowers, pesticide use for no discernible reason).  Check out a company like DigRightIn.

8. Try to support the Non-GMO project and purchase organic when you can.  Although organic pesticides can kill butterflies, overall organic farms are much more pollinator friendly than conventional large-scale farms.  Support local organizations like The Sugar Beet Co-op which promote local food grown in a sustainable manner.

9. Reduce gas usage—less demand for ethanol, produced from corn. 

10. Join West Cook Wild Ones to stay updated on what’s happening with Monarchs and to support their Wild for Monarchs program.  Give a GreenGift  so that the NRDC can plant large amounts of milkweed. 


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