As the last generation of Monarch butterflies prepares for its incredible 6,000-mile migration to Mexico, Nature Saskatchewan is putting out an urgent call to gardeners: Please plant the right flowers for the flight. The Monarch is a federally-listed endangered species, and providing late-season nectar sources is one of the most effective ways residents can help save this iconic insect.
The generation of Monarchs currently emerging is special. While most individuals of the species die after only a few weeks, this final group will live for nine months, making the entire journey south to overwinter before starting the multi-generational trip back north next spring.
“To complete such a vast migration requires quite a bit of energy for such a small animal,” said Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator for Nature Saskatchewan. “This is where the public can come in to help! It’s important in the fall when they’re starting their migration.”
One of the biggest threats to the Monarch is habitat loss. While many people know that Monarch caterpillars are milkweed ‘obligates’ — meaning they can only eat the milkweed plant — the needs of the adult butterflies are often overlooked.
“There is a lot of emphasis on Milkweed habitat when talking about the Monarch, and other nectaring habitat is sometimes overlooked,” Putz noted. “The adults rely on a lot of our wildflower species to gain the energy they need in their life cycle.”
As many typical garden flowers begin to fade in late August and September, migrating Monarchs can struggle to find enough food. Nature Saskatchewan recommends planting native, late-blooming species that provide nectar right up until the first frost. Top recommendations include Goldenrods, Blazing Stars, and native Aster species.
“You get to enjoy blooms right up until the frost, and our wild native species get the energy they need,” Putz concluded. “It’s a win-win!”
While planting flowers is a major benefit, Nature Saskatchewan is also issuing a strong warning against another popular, well-intentioned activity: Captive-rearing Monarchs at home. The practice of raising caterpillars in containers is described as “very detrimental” and does more harm than good.
When asked about the urgency of this message, Putz was clear.
“It is really not the best thing to do if you want to help the species,” she explained. “It can spread disease and unsuited genetics into the wild population, and most of the captured butterflies don’t actually survive to migrate. They don’t have the skills, so they just perish.”
Instead of raising them indoors, the organization urges residents to create a welcoming habitat in their yards and simply observe the butterflies in their natural environment.
Residents who spot Monarchs, caterpillars, or milkweed are encouraged to report their sightings to Nature Saskatchewan’s toll-free HOOT-line at 1-800-667-4668, to help provincial specialists monitor the at-risk population.
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