Long Live the Monarchs

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Long Live the Monarchs
9.8.09

Little did I know that I would become the mother of many. Little did I know the power of watching the little ones grow would get under my skin. But this is the result of spending time around a nature enthusiast, Jill Bowers.

Known locally as the Eagle Lady, Jill works for the ODNR to monitor and reports on the resident eagles at Grand Lake St. Marys. Once the eagles have flown the nest her attention turns to monarch butterflies earning her the title Monarch Mom. From May through October she occupies herself with the care and raising of monarch butterflies.

Jill watches for these beautiful adult orange and black butterflies beginning in late spring here in Auglaize County. After seeing at least 2 adult butterflies and hoping for some monarch hanky panky, she starts to look for eggs. Female monarchs lay their pin head sized eggs on milkweed plants because the larva or caterpillars only feed on milkweed.

Farmers will tell you that milkweed is not compatible with field crops. It is considered a weed and is killed using herbicides in both farm fields and along road sides. However, without milkweed there are no monarchs. This is where Jill comes in. Each day she gleans ditches, fence lines and back roads gathering fresh leaves to daily feed her growing caterpillars.

When asked why, Jill responds, “Somebody has to help the monarch. This is my way to do something for my grandchildren. Once you know the amazing story of the monarch’s flight from Canada to Mexico you cannot help but be impressed.”

When I think of migration, birds and whales come to mind but butterflies? Summer monarchs live from 2-5 weeks breeding and laying eggs, increasing the population and chances for survival of the species.

Late summer monarch adults must survive for 9 months and fly thousands of miles to and back from Mexico. Other migratory animals make the migration each year but butterflies only once. Their great-great-grand children will head south next year.

Tagging and monitoring for the migratory monarch begins in late August with a concentrated effort in September and early October. A good rule is to start when the wild aster, golden rod and Joe Pye weed are in bloom.

Each year Jill buys tags from Monarch Watch (monarchwatch.org) that she sticks on both her raised and wild captured butterflies. Affixed to the wing of an adult butterfly, this small round, all-weather sticker has a phone and identification number to report where the butterfly is found. She hopes to tag 200 monarchs this year stating, “I want to be part of their success story.”

After learning so much about monarchs from Jill, I couldn’t wait to get home and check out the milkweed growing around my house. I found a few caterpillars and eggs and put them in a container with milkweed branches. As instructed, I cleaned the container and replaced the milkweed frequently.

With each new batch of milkweed however, come more eggs and larva. I now have 6 pupa or chrysalis and lots of growing caterpillars in my bucket. Soon I will need to start combing the ditches and back roads for more milkweed to support my growing family. Monarch madness is infectious, be careful or you may catch it too!

Everyone can help the monarch by setting aside some garden space or fence row and allow milkweed to grow. Collect seed from mature milkweed pods this fall and start your very own butterfly garden.

Allison Brady, Executive Director
Heritage Trails Park District
Your partner for parks in Auglaize County