|
Below is a link to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on the condition of Monarch butterflies. Well worth the time to read!
Monarch Population Takes Hit Because of 2012 Drought Two more sources that provide good information on the plight of the Monarch Butterfly: NBC Science News Butterfly Migration Details This article appeared in the February issue of Bay Leaves It's February. It may feel like spring will never come, but inevitably the snow will melt in March, followed by April showers. This year the Whitefish Bay garden Club will focus its attention on Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels because of the stormwater challenges face in the village.
Rain gardens have three major benefits: (1) they absorb water into the soil, (2) the beautify our own yards and the community, and (3) they provide an important habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies threatened by reduced food stuffs. The New York Times reported that 2013 was the first year that the Monarch butterflies did not arrive in droves in Mexico for the Day of the Dead (November 1st). It is more important than ever that we think about how we can support the Monarch butterfly in our yards. Let's explore the benefits... Water absorption. Ideally rainwater should infiltrate the soil at the point of the downpour. You can capture the water with rain barrels, then use it to grow flowers and vegetables. Or it you want to go the low maintenance route, you can install a rain garden. The EPA reports that lawns have 10% of the water absorption capacity of native plantings. Together we could dramatically reduce the water entering municipal systems. Beautification. In 2008, WFB residents Nathan and Jean Guequierre finished installing multiple rain gardens and rain barrels at their home on Newhall. The rain gardens not only absorb water-approximately 60,000 gallons/year-but also bring four season appeal. The landscape includes a variety of perennials, mostly plants native to Southeastern Wisconsin. Important habitat. Experts fear the Monarch butterfly is on the verge of collapse, threatened by the loss of its only food source for the caterpillars-milkweed. The good news is that native plants-like milkweed-both absorb a significant amount of water and benefit the threatened Monarch populations. Milkweed is a native perennial and can easily be grown in your garden as it is in the WFB Butterfly Garden. The garden in Cahill Square has many features to attract and sustain butterflies over their short life cycles-rocks warmed by the sun for resting, shallow sources of water, colorful plants to attract adults and hiding places for developing offspring. What can you do?
The number of Monarch butterflies reaching Mexico dropped by another 59% this year. Their numbers are down from millions in 1997 to thousands now. Please come to the Whitefish Bay Garden Club's Community Meeting on May 14th (see Projects and Events Page) to learn how to create an environment in your own garden that will attract and foster these beautiful creatures! Helpful tip sheets are also available below, print them out!
/uploads/1/4/9/1/14915624/wild_for_monarchs_brochure_pg_1.pdf /uploads/1/4/9/1/14915624/wild_for_monarchs_brochure_pg_2.pdf /uploads/1/4/9/1/14915624/wild_for_monarchs_brochure_pg_3.pdf /uploads/1/4/9/1/14915624/wild_for_monarchs_brochure_pg_4.pdf |
AuthorsThe Lawn and Garden Tips page is updated by members of the Whitefish Bay Garden Club. Archives
October 2020
Categories
All
|
