Endangered and Dear Monarch Butterflies

You may have heard the unfortunate news (yes, more bad news) that Monarch Butterflies have been added to the endangered species list.

Thanks to my neighbor Danuta Loane, I had the pleasure of taking care of some monarchs during their metamorphoses – a few Summers ago. It was a miracle and joy to watch, and I’m so grateful to have had that experience.

This Summer, I have scoured our milkweed at Spring Bird looking for eggs and caterpillars and have yet to spot any, but this morning, I did just walk through a gorgeous Riparian Corridor in Algonquin that was planted with native plants. It was THICK with milkweed which gives me so much hope.

Also giving me hope are the people like Danuta Loane who care for monarchs and plant gardens for butterflies. 

In the Summer Issue of Woolgathering (our nature magazine about the seasons), author Maria Carvalho wrote about such a kind hearted soul who tended to the butterflies in her backyard including a wounded one. This is the illustration that I made in response to her story.

Have you ever tended to butterflies or a butterfly garden? Was it a magical experience for you?