Supporting and Creating
Monarch Habitats

Here at the Corner Store we are committed to joining our neighbors in building habitats for the Monarch butterflies.

Why Plant a Monarch Garden? Monarch populations in North America are rapidly declining and are at risk for the complete loss of species. Milkweed plants are the only plants used as nurseries for the Monarch butterflies. Without these plants the species can not survive. Nectar plants are used by adult Monarchs during their regular life cycle and as they join the great migration generation that winters over in Mexico. Milkweeds and nectar sources are declining due to development and the widespread use of herbicides in croplands, pastures and roadsides.

What You Can Do. To offset the loss of milkweeds and nectar sources we need to create, conserve, and protect milkweed/monarch habitats. You can create "Monarch Waystations" (monarch habitats) in home gardens, at schools, businesses, and on other unused plots of land.

The Value of Monarch Waystations. By creating and maintaining a Monarch Waystation you are contributing to monarch conservation, an effort that will help assure the preservation of the species and the continuation of the spectacular monarch migration phenomenon.

Benefits For Children. These habitats are also exceptionally exciting for children as they watch the incredible life cycle of the Monarch take place before their eyes. While planting and tending these gardens children learn about caring for the environment, understanding life cycles, and sheer beauty of the world around us.

How to Start. Use the links below to plan and prepare your own Monarch habitat and learn more about Monarchs.

http://monarchjointventure.org/images/uploads/documents/GardeningforMonarchs.pdf

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/news/140819-monarch-butterfly-way-station-vin

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/habitat/