Introduction: Saving the Monarch Butterfly
Could we lose the migration of the Monarch Butterfly in our life time? Yes.
Can you and I and everyone on Instructables change that? YES!
We know that bees have been declining all over the world and the media has been making us aware of the changes that need to take place to save their numbers. But did you know that Monarch Butterfly numbers are 97% fewer than at their recorded population high and their numbers are 50% less then they were last year?
Natural weather events, increased pesticide use, genetically modified crops and habitat destruction have become too much for the Monarch butterfly. Our planet relies on bees, butterflies and other pollinators to help plant life grow and reproduce. The range of the Monarch butterfly is worldwide and while Monarch's are not endangered as a species, the migration of the eastern north american population may soon become an endangered phenomenon.
How can we save our precious North American Monarch Butterflies?
PLANT MILKWEED!
Plant what? Yes, milkweed! This once common "weed" has been sprayed, burned, bulldozed and eliminated from so many places that it is becoming increasingly difficult for female Monarch Butterflies to lay their eggs. Milkweed is the ONLY plant that Monarch caterpillars eat. If there is no Milkweed, there will be no Monarch Butterflies.
Planting and obtaining Milkweed is very easy thanks to an amazing organization called Live Monarch.
You can go to their website: http://www.livemonarch.com/free-milkweed-seeds.htm
Order seeds (the seeds are even free if you can not afford to purchase them) simply send a self addressed stamped envelop. Not only is this great organization helping to save the Monarch but they are also supporting local growers and encouraging the planting of native varieties of Milkweed. Just scroll to the bottom of their home page to see which variety you should order. Its that easy for each of us to make a difference and save this incredible migration!
Step 1: Help Spread the Word!
Share this link http://www.livemonarch.com/free-milkweed-seeds.htm...
with a simple heading such as, "Help Save the North American Monarch Butterfly" to your website, social media or email campaign and spread the word.
Make it fun. If you have children speak with their school about a save the monarch project and donate seeds for the children to grow and learn about Monarch Butterflies. Your children and your children's children will thank you!
We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children
Thank You.
