Bring back the Monarchs along the highways

Monarch at rest stop in Iowa - credit Lindsay Godfree

When you drive along America’s highways do you enjoy the butterflies as much as I do? As I have been driving back and forth across the country, I have developed a feeling of affinity with the migrations of spring and fall. The flow of the animal, bird and insect populations going north and south to breeding grounds or in search of more food is a joy to watch as I drive along east and west in continuous loops.

Now I have learned that the beautiful large, orange and black Monarch butterfly is experiencing a population threat. Due in part to the clearing of land all over the United States combined with changing weather patterns, this amazing mysterious creature is facing crisis. And last year, the World Wildlife Fund included monarchs on its list of the “Top 10 to Watch” in 2010: species that are thought to be in need of close monitoring and protection.

“We have a lot of habitat in this country but we are losing it at a rapid pace. Development is consuming 6,000 acres a day, a loss of 2.2 million acres per year. Further, the overuse of herbicides along roadsides and elsewhere is turning diverse areas that support monarchs, pollinators, and other wildlife into grass-filled landscapes that support few species. … If these trends continue, monarchs are certain to decline, threatening the very existence of their magnificent migration”, said Chip Taylor, Director of Monarch Watch.

Well, roadsides are trucker territory, so it sees logical to me that this is a place where we could make a difference. Fortunately, there is a movement already in place to try to save them that we can join. “Bring Back the Monarchs” campaign is collaboration between a number of partner agencies and organizations called the Monarch Joint Venture, including the University of Kansas’s Monarch Watch program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and others.

Roadside habitat - by Lindsay Godfree

To address changes and restore habitats for monarchs, pollinators, and other wildlife, Monarch Watch is initiating a nationwide landscape restoration program, “Bring Back the Monarchs.” The goals of the program is to restore 20 milkweed species, used by monarch caterpillars as food, to their native ranges throughout the United States and to encourage the planting of native flowers that support adult monarchs and other pollinators.

Additionally, leaders are also working with the Arizona Department of Transportation on plans to include milkweed in the seed mixes that are planted along roadways. Try to get your states’ department of transportation to support this venture too and to stop the mowing down of habitat.

How can else you help? The easiest way to make a tax-deductible donation is to do so via the KU Endowment Association (they manage the donation fund and provide tax receipts). Just make it clear in any communication that you want your contribution to support Monarch Watch, so 100 percent of your donation will go to Monarch Watch.

To find out more link to this US Forest Service page.

If you liked that post, then try these...

View the original article here