Monarch butterflies are on the endangered species list – STILL.
Often when I hear about an animal added to this list I lose hope. To me, it spells doom. In the case of Monarch butterflies, the population is projected to go extinct within my lifetime. However, we cannot lose hope. We can save the monarch butterflies with small changes that lead to bigger (positive) consequences. Think – the butterfly effect.
The butterfly effect is a metaphor for chaos theory in which the flap of a butterfly’s wing can impact the creation and path of a tornado. Or the idea that a small change can create drastic consequences in the future. In a project like saving the butterflies, we must remember that our small efforts can change the future trajectory for this and other pollinator species.
How You Can Save the Butterflies
Create a Butterfly Garden
Milkweed is the only food source for Monarch caterpillars. Native flowers have nectar to help feed adult Monarchs. Their habitat has been in decline and by planting butterfly-friendly gardens you are helping monarchs, other pollinators, and birds. Don’t forget to create signage about your butterfly garden to help neighbors and pedestrians understand the importance of being pollinator-friendly.
The U of M has a great guide on creating the perfect butterfly garden.
Reduce the Use of Pesticides
Even if you don’t create a butterfly garden, general pesticides harm butterflies. Try to use spot treatments and natural remedies as alternatives. On a larger scale, agricultural trends towards round-up ready crops have decimated the wild Milkweed fields that monarchs depend on.
Share the Message and a Zine
Spread the word so more people can help to save Monarch butterflies! If you can’t plant a butterfly garden or live in an apartment like me, try spreading the word in other ways. Share on social media, tell your friends, and print your own bookmark set of this zine.
Next Stop: Zineland
Love this zine? Visit my Zineland webpage to find more of my zines and some curated recommendations.
I was so happy to find wild milkweed growing in my neighborhood. I even found some butterflies enjoying the nectar on my walk.
What Monarch Butterflies Mean to Me
Butterflies have always been a motif in my life. For as long as I can remember the complete encyclopedia of butterflies has been on my bedroom bookshelf. I’ve drawn, painted, and embroidered them. I even have a Monarch butterfly tattooed on my arm.
I find myself drawn back to the symbolism of Monarchs because my family shares a similar migration pattern. Monarchs travel from Mexico all across the United States. They are the only butterflies that make this long migration. Every state I’ve lived in has had Monarchs fly through.
So please do what you can for this North American-beloved insect. 🧡
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