“Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweeds throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers these fall migratory monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico.

The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world” (Monarch Watch 2016). Individuals or groups can participate in this project by creating “Monarch Waystations” or monarch habitat at homes, schools, businesses, and public areas, such as parks, roadsides or nature centers, or anywhere milkweed can be planted. The habitat can be certified as a Waystation through Monarch Watch and join this network of monarch habitats across the country.

• Monarch Watch. 2016. Monarch Waystation Program. http://monarchwatch.org/waystations/.

Keywords: habitat, milkweed, restoration