Living in the lush mountains of upstate New York, we are blessed to be surrounded by acres upon\u00a0acres of lush meadows and fields. \u00a0My kids have always been around nature. \u00a0In fact, I still remember when my\u00a0daughter was entering 3rd grade, we were to look at the milkweed plants to try to find a Monarch Caterpillar. \u00a0We did and we sent it in to her class. \u00a0Every year the third grade does this and they raise the caterpillars and set the gorgeous Monarchs free.<\/p>\n

We are in a crisis though, since 1990 the Monarch populations has decreased by 90%. \u00a0I have noticed how rare it is to see a Monarch but was surprised to learn we lost such a large percentage. \u00a0The more I thought, I could not recall seeing \u00a0even see one last year. \u00a0 The beautiful yellow Swallowtail butterflies are prevalent and feed on the many succulent perennials in my garden. \u00a0I have to do my part this year to try to bring the Monarch population back!<\/p>\n

You may be wondering what we\u00a0can do. It’s as easy as planting Milkweed. \u00a0Milkweed serves as a food source, nursery and home for the Monarchs. \u00a0The National Wildlife Federation says there is hope for the Monarch if we act now. Below you find 6 ways to save Monarchs with the \u00a0NWF. \u00a0This information and more is on their website so click the links below\u00a0to learn more.<\/p>\n

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Six Ways to Save Monarchs with NWF<\/span><\/h3>\n

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1. Help Save Grasslands<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0America\u2019s native grasslands are critically important for monarchs. They offer both milkweed for monarch caterpillars as well as nectar plants for adult butterflies (and many other pollinators too). Today, more than 90 percent of native grasslands have been converted to cropland and development.\u00a0Grasslands are disappearing faster than any other ecosystem in North America, and that\u2019s a big problem for monarchs. \u00a0Join NWF in fighting to save grasslands for monarchs.<\/a><\/li>\n
2. Support Highway Habitat\u00a0Corridor<\/strong> <\/span>\u2013\u00a0NWF and USFWS are working to create a coalition of agriculture leaders and highway transportation organizations to plant milkweed and nectar plants along monarch migratory flyways and in other important\u00a0monarch breeding grounds along\u00a0key Midwest and Texas corridors. \u00a0Learn more about highway habitat corridor plan and how to support it.
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3. Plant Milkweed <\/strong><\/span>\u2013\u00a0You can make saving the monarch personal by planting milkweed in your yard or garden. There are many milkweed species found in North America, so no matter where you live, there\u2019s at least one species native to your area. You\u2019ll be rewarded not only with he knowledge that you are making a difference, but by attracting monarchs to enjoy. Find out what milkweeds are from your region.<\/a><\/li>\n
4. Don\u2019t Use Pesticides<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u2013 Monarchs are insects, and so spraying insecticides will kill them. Make the commitment to avoid spraying pesticides in your yard. Find out how to garden organically<\/a>.<\/li>\n
5. Create\u00a0Monarch Habitat<\/strong><\/span>\u2013 NWF\u2019s Garden for Wildlife\u00a0program can\u00a0teach you how to turn any outdoor space into a\u00a0complete habitat for monarch. Just\u00a0provide food, water, cover and places to raise young. \u00a0It all starts with what you plant and you can create a habitat garden in your own yard, at your office, your church or the local school grounds.\u00a0Entire\u00a0communities are launching efforts<\/a> to create\u00a0monarch habitat.\u00a0Learn how to create a wildlife-friendly garden.<\/a><\/li>\n
6. Join NWF Affiliate Efforts in Your State<\/strong><\/span> \u2014 Eleven\u00a0of NWF\u2019s state affiliates are\u00a0active partners in the Garden for Wildlife program, teaching people how to create habitat for monarchs and other wildlife. They offer\u00a0regional\u00a0expertise and resources<\/a>, offering native milkweed seeds, running monarch tagging<\/a> and citizen science\u00a0efforts and even working on legislative solutions.\u00a0Joining these efforts is a great way to get involved on the local level. Find out if your state\u2019s NWF affiliate is working to protect monarchs.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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   I hope you will join me in doing our part to create a natural habitat for the Monarchs. \u00a0Please let me know if you plan to\u00a0participate. \u00a0I am really looking forward to seeing more and more of these beautiful creatures. \u00a0I know we will if we all do our part. \u00a0So, are you in?<\/p>\n

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