Monarch caterpillar on milkweed.

Conservancy member, Bob Podurgiel found several milkweed plants growing along the roadway on Kane Blvd. In an effort to protect the plant, he recently transplanted a few of the smaller plants in the field by our apiary near Providence Point. We hope they will grow and spread in our open field. 

According to The National Wildlife Federation, the North American population of Monarch butterflies has declined over 90% over the last two decades. Monarchs breed in our area in the summer and autumn. The autumn generation then migrates to California and Mexico. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on Milkweed plants found in our area. Since the habitats for milkweed is decreasing, the Monarch population is declining. 

Commercial breeders, hobbyists, and schoolchildren often raise Monarchs and release them. Studies have shown, however, that these butterflies do not migrate so do not contribute to the migratory population. If you have a sunny area on your property, you are encouraged to grow and protect milkweed. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones and see beautiful Monarchs flitting around your home. Just do not take them indoors. Leaving them in the wild to insure they will migrate. 

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Scrubgrass Run:  1459 Scrubgrass Road, 15106 • Whiskey Point:  1461 Scrubgrass Road, 15106

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