In July, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially listed the migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus) as endangered, threatened by habitat destruction and climate change.
This spectacular butterfly is known for its migrations from over-wintering in Mexico to summer breeding grounds throughout the US and Canada. Over the past decade years, populations have shrunk by as much as 72%.
Logging and deforestation in Mexico are shrinking their winter shelter, while pesticide and herbicide use in North America is killing milkweed – the only host plant that the monarch butterfly larvae feed on.
This milkweed is shown in full bloom at Pederson Preserve, while those below in the oak savanna at Far Field Nature Preserve are shown with their seed pods.
These pods will split open when they are ripe and the seeds will set sail on the wind with their silken threads to plant more milkweed!
YOU can help!
“From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting the protection of overwintering sites and contributing to community science, we all have a role to play in making sure this iconic insect makes a full recovery,” said Anna Walker, member of the IUCN SSC Butterfly and Moth Specialist Group and Species Survival Officer at the New Mexico BioPark Society, who led the monarch butterfly assessment.
BACT works hard to restore our preserves with native plants that support the local ecosystem –
including milkweed!
In 2021, we participated in the Monarch Joint Venture study of monarch migrations, feeding habitats and breeding patterns throughout the US. Their teams visited Far Field Nature Preserve and Pederson Preserve monthly last summer, counting monarchs present and logging milkweed plants.
Monarch Watch has been tagging monarchs since 1992 – you can order a tagging kit for 2023 starting in January. You can even check the tag recovery reports to see where your monarchs end up!
Plant a Monarch Waystation full of Native Plants!
The simplest solution of all! This is a beautiful way to enhance your yard with stunning plants that support the local ecosystem, require little maintenance once they are established (they have, after all, evolved to live right here!) and provide the exact type of food and shelter for monarchs and other native pollinators. More than 90% of land in Illinois is privately held so landowners like YOU can make a big impact!
Not sure how to begin? BACT’s Conservation@Home Volunteer Naturalists can help! Schedule a consultation visit here. Create a plan now to prepare for next season.
Check out the Barrington Area Library Seed Library – BACT has “planted” packets of milkweed seeds there to get you started!
Have you listened to BACT’s podcast yet? Visit our website Library!
Our most recent episode: “Let’s Get Our Feet Wet”. A focus on our local watershed and how that is impacted through our conservation efforts. Guest speakers BACOG and the Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watershed Partnership.
Also available on our YouTube channel are companion videos to our podcast – the latest episode: “Conservation@Home with BACT”.
Conservation@Home is a regional program that educates, supports and recognizes homeowners who incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their own yard. Learn about natural lawn care, native plants as storm water control along with pollinator habitat and how YOU can collaborate with a BACT volunteer naturalist! More information is available here.
These podcasts and videos are made possible through funding by the Barrington Area Community Foundation.
Secure your tickets for Tartans for the Trust 2022 ~ amazing raffle prizes, a silent auction PLUS an extraordinary Live Auction Experience courtesy of Tudor Oaks Farm! Live music, spirit tasting, activities for the entire family ~ pack your own libations and treats or pre-order Tartans Charcuterie by Sage & Jam Grazing!
Enjoy a fall afternoon among the young oaks! More details coming soon!
BACT joins BACOG
for their annual well water testing event at the Barrington Area Library
Testing kits will be available for purchase in advance – follow BACOG for details