Monday, August 31, 2015

Monarchs Everywhere!

We are seeing so many monarchs this year and it makes us both feel some hope after the dismal numbers these past few years. Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch assessed the numbers and things are definitely looking up this summer. However, to really save the Eastern monarch population, we have to boost the population dramatically more so they can demonstrate resiliency in their overwintering grounds (Mexico) in case of devastating winter storms. How do we do this? Continue to plant milkweed and yes, we have tons of for sale!


Milkweed grows wild all over our property and along many of the roadsides along here. Mowing regimes around here do not take into account monarchs or any other wildlife for that matter so we collected 30+ monarch caterpillars and eggs and brought them home to complete their life cycle in relative safety.



We so enjoy watching these caterpillars chomp away and grow, grow, grow. While sitting at our porch table enjoying some coffee, good conversation and the surrounding wildlife, we looked up and alas what do we see, but a monarch chrysalis!


How cool is this?! This is what turning your property into a nature preserve is all about...humans and wildlife living in harmony. Awesome.


6 comments:

  1. HOW awesome!! You are right the roadside mowing is not necessary they cut down our blackberry's every year...I did not know YOU were selling the Milkweed seeds---once I get home I will have to order some!

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    1. Hey lady! We have milkweed plants...not seeds at this point, but we will have some later this fall. The leaves are starting to turn here...holy moly! :)

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  2. I was trying to figure out what species to grow here in Western Oregon and found this site that might interest you: http://www.xerces.org/milkweed-seed-finder/

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    1. Thanks lady! Xerces is one of our most favorite non-profits. :)

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  3. What kind of seeds are you selling? We planted swamp milkweed this year and saved 4 caterpillars which we raised inside. We are waiting for their chrysalis to hatch now!

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