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.