It’s that time of the year again – Monarch Butterflies migrate south passing by the San Francisco Bay Area.
A pair of Monarch Butterflies dancing in the blue sky
In the past 20 years, the total number of the glorious butterfly has dwindled from one billion strong to a mere 60 millions. The drastic decline in Monarch Butterfly population is a story similar to that of the Giant Panda. That is, the Monarch Butterfly relies on ONE plant, milkweed which thrives in the California deserts. Female Monarch Butterflies only lay eggs on the leaves of milkweed.
A Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed Blooms
Monarch Butterflies
However, human development has displaced the milkweed fields. Hence, the disappearance of generations of Monarch Butterflies.
We need these beauties to live on and on and on!
The good news is that many nurseries in California are starting to sell milkweeds for residential gardens. I am going to replace my dead day lilies, rhododendron and daisies with drought tolerant milkweeds.
Together, we might be able to give the gorgeous butterfly another chance.
So beautiful!
Long Live the Monarch Butterflies!!