Have you noticed that we’re just not seeing as many monarch butterflies this year? Makes me sad. The monarchs are just spectacular, and they lead such mysterious lives. When my children were little, we raised a few and released them – it was truly an awesome experience.
The monarchs depend on milkweed. With development, there is less milkweed around for the monarchs. In fact, the monarchs have all kinds of problems – mostly due to destruction of habitat both here and in Mexico/California – their overwintering home. Lumbering in Mexico, development in the US, and eradication of what some consider to be a noxious weed – milkweed, are taking a toll on the monarchs. Pesticides are also a problem.
