images: Monarch Watch - click to enlarge
As you've probably heard, Monarch butterflies are in big trouble ... they need milkweed to feed on as they make the journey north from Mexico. The plant has been decimated by wildfires, drought, and the use of herbicides on corn and soybeans, which also wipes out milkweed.
The number of monarchs that made it to their winter home in Mexico was down 59 percent this year, the lowest level in two decades. The butterflies need milkweed to feed on as they travel north for the summer season to the United States and Canada.
Craig Wilson, a senior researcher at Texas A&M University, says if people want to help, they should plant milkweed -- and a lot of it. There are more than 30 types of milkweed in Texas alone, and -- well -- go to your local garden center -- you'll see lots of Asclepias cultivars that'll look great in your garden.
According to Wilson, it's important to have a national priority in the US and Canada of planting milkweed to assure that Monarchs will not be wiped out. "If we could get several states to collaborate," he said, "we might be able to provide a 'feeding' corridor up to Canada for the Monarchs."
For more information, see Monarch Watch.
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