Monarch Enthusiasts Paint a Landscape for Preservation

Article from the

Wauwatosa Patch

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On the Trail

By

Jerry Luterman

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The Monarch Trail-

Understanding the current population of butterflies

Pre-2006, 195 acres of land supported both the summer generations of monarchs and the migrating butterflies in September. It contained community gardens, and expansive areas of milkweed (for caterpillars) and nectar plants for the fall migration-boneset, goldenrod, aster, and many others.

   This land area was completely re-graded and has not yet recovered. 11 acres of the original land remains where there are patches of essential plants for migrating monarchs. A wet spring impacted the first generation and while the 3rd and 4th generations rallied in numbers, a dry August/September limited nectar plants-especially on the Grounds.

For 5 years now, very few monarchs have been “produced” here during the summer—(that is how they can increase numbers to migrate).  Fewer and fewer are returning, and there are few resources to encourage northern groups to stop and fuel up on their journey south.

All of this is lowering their numbers and until designated areas are restored, we cannot expect the migration to be spectacular—instead, we must ramp up our efforts to regain a balanced ecosystem, replant and enhance the remaining areas.

Click Here for Monarch Watch Latest Report