NO MILKWEED | NO MONARCH

The Monarch Butterfly is in trouble. Why? Because Milkweed plants are disappearing across the United States.  Monarch butterflies hibernating in Mexico plunged to its lowest level ever. In early 2014, monarch butterflies were found in only 1.7 acres – compared to a high of 45 acres in 1996.

THE ONLY PLANT

Milk­­­­­­weed is the only plant on which the monarch lays its eggs and the only plant the monarch caterpillar will eat.  No milkweed, no monarchs!

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MILKWEED?

The Milkweed plant was once common among roadsides, grasslands and cornfields from Mexico to Canada and all across the U.S. but now it is being threatened by urban development and other factors.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Plant Milkweed in your yard or garden. You will be rewarded not only with the knowledge that you are making a difference, but by attracting monarchs to enjoy. Avoid spraying pesticides in your yard. Mon­archs are insects, and so insecticides will kill them. Learn how to garden organically. Create a Monarch Habitat.  The National Wildlife Association (nwa.org) can teach you how to turn any outdoor space into a complete habitat for monarch. Entire communities are launching efforts to create monarch habitat and we want Franklin, Georgia to help!

IF YOU PLANT MILKWEED, THEY WILL COME!

The James Stewart Chapter, NSDAR of Franklin, Georgia is supporting this effort to help save the monarch butterfly!  Our DAR members are planting milkweed in their yards and we are inviting Franklin residents to do the same.  If you plant milkweed, they will come!  This is the time to plant; check with local plant nurseries to buy seeds or plants.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!

Send us photos of your efforts to help save the monarch.  Be a Butterly Hero!  Here are some photos from one of our members that created a habitat in her yard. We want your photos too!  To view Butterfly Hero photos click here!

Submit YOUR butterfly hero story and photos to nfo@jamesstewartchapterdar.org.

RESOURCES

Check with the National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) or one of these resources.

•livemonarch.com will send you free seeds!

•saveourmonarchs.org •monarchwatch.org •monarchprogram.org •worldwildlife.org •livemonarch.org •usda.gov •monarchjointventure.org