The Monarch Butterfly was listed as an endangered species on July 21 by the International Union for Conservation. Scientists say its population has declined as much as 84% from 1996 to 2021. Here are four ways your family can make a difference in helping this beloved butterfly thrive for years to come.
Show Support
Support your town’s environmental group and efforts. Encourage native pollinator gardens be planted at libraries, schools and underused municipal land. Attend the Mamaroneck Monarch Butterfly Festival on September 24th! It’s free, family fun to educate local residents about helping the Monarch butterfly. Register here.
Plant milkweed and other native flowers
Milkweed is the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat to survive. After the caterpillar’s lifecycle on milkweed plants, Monarch butterflies emerge and need to feed on nectar producing flowers. Native flowers are the best source for them to thrive. The Westchester Community College’s Native Plant Center has a list of suggestions here.
Keep it Clean
Pesticides and herbicides are harmful to the Monarch butterfly. Even organic options can impair their nervous system, causing decline in population. Go chemical free for a healthy yard!
Educate Others
Nothing is more powerful than spreading the word about what you’ve learned. Tell a neighbor, give away milkweed seedlings or pick up books for your children to read. Mamaroneck Public Library and Village of Mamaroneck Commitee for the Environment will be co-hosting a free zoom reading on 9/28 with author, Ann Hobbie. Her children’s book, Monarch Butterflies, is appropriate for ages 0-100 to learn about the lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly. Register at mamaronecklibrary.org/events
Village of Mamaroneck Committee for the Environment recommended reading:
For Children:
For Adults:
Thank you to Mandy Forlenza Sticos and the Village of Mamaroneck Committee for the Environment for contributing to this post.
Photos taken by Mandy Forlenza Sticos.