It’s one of the few things that can resonate with almost every single American, no matter their age, state, or class. It’s that warm summer night; when it’s just warm enough, the air is fresh, the sky is clear, and the glow of fireflies in their nightly dance illuminate the landscape. It’s like that sad song you just can’t turn off once it comes on; it evokes such powerful feelings of hope and youth, of calming peace and tranquility, and of bittersweet memories of summers long-past. Fortunately, this iconic source of American nostalgia is in no danger of disappearing, but its daylight counterpart is in serious danger, and only you can save them.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
The Monarch
What I’m talking about is the Danaus plexippus, or as most of us call them, the monarch butterfly. These magnificent icons fly 3,000 miles every single year(1), over the course of about 4 generations! Spending their winters in Mexico, they begin to migrate North toward Ohio, reaching us between the end of May through the middle of August. Fortunately for us, Ohio is one of the first stops for summer breeding by monarchs, so we get to enjoy their splendor for longer than most!
The Problem
You may have noticed, however, you don’t get to see these beauties as much as you used to. If you did happen to make that observation, you’d be correct. As a matter of fact, the monarch population is down over 90% from where it was in 1992(2), with an estimated 6,000 acres of habitat critical for monarchs being lost every single day in the US(3). Since 1992, that stands at 147 million acres of lost habitat. But monarchs are not isolated on the ecological web; these butterflies are vital pollinators, and serve as a source of food to many small birds, such as quail and pheasants(4).
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
The decline in population coincides in lockstep with the decline in milkweed population. In the same period that monarch’s saw a 90% decline, the milkweed population also declined 90%(2,3). Despite their name, milkweed is actually not a weed, but to most Americans, it is a nuisance and is removed in favor of prettier, but less useful, flowers. Likewise, land development and modern farming practices have decimated habitats where milkweed once thrived. Herbicides, pesticides, and other land-use practices of humanity has left little-to-no consideration for these plants. But why are milkweed so integral to the monarch? The milkweed is the only plant that the monarch butterfly can lay its eggs on, as their caterpillars can only consume the milkweed plant(5).
What YOU can do
As long as you have a backyard, a patio, or even a pot with some sunlight, you have the power to help revive the monarch! Being Ohioans, we have the unique capability to influence monarch populations, given the sheer quantity of individuals that come through us! Helping is as easy as spending about $15. There are many sellers of the common milkweed, which is the variant that would be naturally found in Ohio. Though this is not an endorsement, Save Our Monarchs is one of the largest groups working toward conserving and rebuilding the monarch, but there are many others with just as much merit. Just one plant is enough to make a difference, though if you decide to want to go the extra mile, you could also create your own pollinator garden, which would give your tired monarchs a place to rest their wings after their long trip! Not only would monarchs love this, but this would also introduce habitats for other pollinators (such as the also-endangered bumblebee). The milkweed and many pollinator plants are fairly easy to manage, no green thumb required. These are also perennial, so that means a single investment from you now will bring your yard and garden to life for years to come, all while providing vital ecosystem benefits for those who really need your help right now!
Works Cited:
- https://conservesenecacounty.com/2018/04/the-monarch-butterfly-common-questions-what-you-can-do/
- https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/
- https://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/campaign/the-details/
- https://www.fws.gov/savethemonarch/
- https://monarchjointventure.org