Just sharing some new research and good news that came out this week from the University of Georgia.
While the over-wintering populations of monarch butterflies are definitely suffering some declines in Mexico, it looks like summer populations in North America are actually doing pretty well!
One interesting finding is that people are planting non-native tropical milkweed in parts of California that is allowing monarchs to over-winter in new spots. I have wondered about how we will redefine ‘native’ vs ‘non-native’ plants as climate zones shift, but this appears to be a good use of non-native plants.
Another note the authors have is that while we’re focusing a lot of attention on monarchs, we might be missing other opportunities to protect insects and butterflies. Apparently, monarchs are now one of the most widespread butterflies in the U.S., while other varieties might need a bit more help. Good reminder. If you’re interested in more about that, here is a link to the North American Butterfly Association.
This story reminded me that when I first came to the US in the mid 1990s, there was an ongoing coordinated effort to restore eastern bluebird habitat and reverse a massive decline in numbers that occurred in the first half of the century. It has been a huge success. Between banning certain pesticides and teaching people how to provide and create habitat and nesting sites, the bluebird population has increased to over 20 million and continues to increase.
I am lucky enough to live where bluebirds thrive year round. It makes me very happy to see bluebird parents busily feeding fledglings.
These stories prove that we really can reverse our errors and help restore habitat and the species that depend on it. And sometimes, it doesn’t even take much. A few plants and nesting boxes. Surely we can do a bit more of that. For butterflies, bluebirds and more.
Love this....❤️