Plant a Milkweed, save a Monarch!

Plant a Milkweed, save a Monarch!

The Ontario government’s removal of milkweed from its “noxious weed” list is welcome news for the long term survival of the monarch butterfly which counts on the milkweed for its survival.

With this news we are encouraging residents to consider planting milkweed to help revive monarch friendly habitat. Why is this so critical?

Milkweed is life itself to monarchs because the butterflies lay their eggs into the plant and it is their caterpillars' main food.

One of the most beautiful and recognizable of butterflies, Monarchs are declining in numbers. The species' population in Mexico, where the butterflies overwinter, is at its lowest number since record-keeping began in the early 1990s, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

There are many reasons for this decline, including a 45 percent loss of habitat in Mexico. But a large reason for the decline is the destruction of milkweed in the United States and Canada. I remember being out in the fields as a kid and there was always milkweed growing wild between crop fields and on neighbouring untilled lands, so its removal from the noxious list is an important step.

However, getting off the noxious weed list is only an important FIRST step. Over the last 20 years corn and soybeans have been genetically modified to survive the herbicide glyphosate, also known as Roundup (These are the same food plants that we eat). When farmers now use the chemical, every plant in their fields is destroyed, with the exception of those genetically modified to withstand the Roundup. Unfortunately, Milkweed will still be destroyed by Roundup.

Yet, there is an opportunity for its revival outside agriculture. As of this spring Municipalities are no longer obligated to destroy milkweed on public property. However, as there is so little milkweed remaining, we are encouraging municipalities, schools and other public and private landowners, to plant milkweed on their properties this spring in an effort to turn the tide on the Monarch’s decline.

Over the years Doug Tarry Homes has done a great deal of work in planting butterfly meadows, naturalized areas and other measures to help create and maintain a healthy wildlife habitat, so we are very encouraged by this news and hope that you will consider joining us in this challenge.

Helping Monarch and other butterflies and insects is also a fun way to get kids interested in nature's wonders. Planting milkweed and nectar-producing native flowers on balconies and in gardens, parks and green spaces will beautify the area around your home and bring bees, hummingbirds and butterflies to the neighbourhood. The David Suzuki Foundation website also offers a range of resources and activities to help protect these pollinating insects if you would like more information. Also, Canadale Nurseries is looking to carry milkweed this spring so feel free to check in with them regarding availability.

So here’s to the mighty Monarch a truly majestic creature. By doing our part, perhaps our children’s children will be able to see them in person.