“The butterfly, known for its twice-yearly, 2,500-mile journey across the continent between its summer and winter grounds, has declined by between 23 and 72 percent in the past 10 years”, according to this article in National Geographic.

But there is one really simple thing we can do to keep seeing the iconic Monarch every summer – PLANT MILKWEED!

Milkweed is the exclusive food for Monarch caterpillars, as the leaves are the only host plan for the butterfly species. Without milkweed, Monarchs cannot complete their lifecycle.

Milkweed is often mistaken as a weed and has been eradicated in both agricultural and urban areas, leading to the decline in the Monarch butterfly population. Planting Milkweed is one of the easiest ways that we can make a difference in preserving the Monarch butterfly. Resource: National Wildlife Federation

For more on Milkweed and Monarch’s, see our informational sign below from Salida’s “Monarch Spur Trail”, and stay tuned to GARNA’s program calendar, as we often have educational programs on butterflies, other pollinators, and native plants.