2 May 2024

Saving the Monarchs: What You Can Do to Help This Endangered Species

Monarch butterfly on Gregg’s Mistflower

The first Saturday in May marks National Start Seeing Monarchs Day. Let’s celebrate the day and attempt to help save this endangered species.

First, though, let me give you the story behind the photo. I had gone to Berry Springs Park & Preserve (Georgetown, Texas), in the north Austin metropolitan area, to get some macros with a couple of friends. As we were getting ready to leave, one of the park’s volunteers pointed out an area where Monarchs had been spotted. I did not waste a second.

One thing about Monarchs is that sometimes they resemble Queens. If you are unsure how to differentiate Monarchs from Queen butterflies, or just want to see Queens, read my other posts here. They look similar, but the differences are pretty obvious.

There are several things you can do to help Monarch butterflies. Here are some key actions. Be a “PAL” to Monarchs.

  • Plant nectar plants such as Milkweed. Milkweed is the only host plant for the Monarch caterpillar. Nectar plants provide the necessary energy Monarchs need during their long migratory journey.
  • Avoid pesticides in your garden.
  • Look for conservation organizations in your area and join their efforts.

By taking these steps, you can help to create a more hospitable environment for Monarch butterflies and ensure their survival for future generations.

Monarch on a Zinnia

To learn more about this national day, please visit this site.

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19 Responses

  1. Rebecca Cuningham
    |

    Thanks for this excellent post, Egídio. Monarchs are so beautiful. We’ve planted milkweed and asters in our yard to support monarchs. Hope we can help them increase their numbers again!

  2. Egídio Leitão
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    Thank you, Rebecca, for your kind complimentary words. I’m so happy you have planted milkweed and asters. Great!

  3. Tomi Rovira
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    Fabulous, this butterfly.

  4. Tra Italia e Finlandia
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    Adoro le farfalle e le Monarca sono davvero graziose.

  5. margaret21
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    Monarchs are rarely seen here, and then only in the south, so I never have seen one ‘for real’. What a beauty. Good luck to all the conservation efforts.

  6. Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
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    Lovely butterflies

  7. philosophy through photography
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    Lovely!
    Thank you for the guidance.

  8. JJJ Interactive Books
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    I planted milkweed last year and had monarchs and their caterpillars. Unfortunately, I also had an infestation of milkweed aphids that killed the caterpillars. I tried without success to control the aphids by cutting off the parts of the plant they inhabited and drowning them in soapy water. I am going to try again this year and give some of the new plants coming up to my neighbors. Any suggestions on how to prevent aphids without harming the caterpillars would be welcome.

  9. Amy
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    Beautifully captured, Egidio! I have quite a few here, but only in our local Botanical Garden.

  10. Brad Volz
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    Thanks for caring Egidio and the timely reminders. I planted milkweed in my last garden. Unfortunately, I no longer have a house or gardens.

  11. Egídio Leitão
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    Thanks, Tomi. It’s a beautiful butterfly indeed.

  12. Egídio Leitão
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    Grazie, sì, sono davvero graziose.

  13. Egídio Leitão
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    Thanks for the comment, Margaret. We are lucky we are in its migration path every year.

  14. Egídio Leitão
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    Thanks, Ritva.

  15. Egídio Leitão
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    Thank you for your comment.

  16. Egídio Leitão
    |

    Oh, what a tragedy to see your efforts disappear. I wish I had a suggestion to stop the aphids. Maybe there is a local organization in your area that might help. MonarchWatch.org may be able to assist. Thank you for the comment.

  17. Egídio Leitão
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    That is wonderful, Amy. We are lucky to be in the migration path of these beautiful butterflies.

  18. Egídio Leitão
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    Brad, thanks for your feedback!

  19. philosophy through photography
    |

    You are welcome, my friend.

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