Written by Penelope Hyland, Colorado Master Gardener Class of 2018

After a record low number of only 2,000 western monarch butterflies last year, the latest count over the Thanksgiving weekend  shows an increase of 50 times. The recent monarch count at the overwintering sites was 100,000.  While this is a vast improvement over last year, there is still a long way to go to prevent extinction.  In 1997, the count was 1.2 million.  By 2017, the numbers had decreased to only 200,000.

The main issues with the monarch butterfly are habitat destruction and lack of food.  What can you do to help?  We can help by creating and protecting habitat needed by the monarchs, reducing and eliminating the use of pesticides and planting more native  milkweed and flowers in both private and public spaces.

The monarch butterfly only lays its eggs on the milkweed plant so that plant is essential to its survival.  Research shows that even 1 native milkweed planted in urban areas can make a difference.  The monarch can and does find the plant.  If you are worried about the milkweed spreading and taking over your garden, put it in a pot or raised bed where its growth can be contained.

Thanks to all of you who have been planting the native milkweed and have reported seeing monarchs in your gardens.  These precious beauties are a major pollinator and we can help them by planting native flowers that provide food for the adults.