By Bonnie Cox

The monarch butterfly, state of Illinois insect, is in danger of extinction. Their population is down by 90 percent in the overwintering grounds of Mexico. Some believe the monarch will share the history of the passenger pigeon.

Monarchs that grow in the Peoria area migrate nearly 3,000 miles to their winter habitat in Mexico, to an area of only 30 square miles. Reasons for the dramatic drop in numbers: Logging of valuable lumber trees in these overwintering grounds; use of herbicides which kill milkweed the caterpillars, the only source of nourishment; and decrease of habitat due to urbanization.

Solutions

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has pledged $2 million in funding for conservation projects to save the monarchs and an additional $1.2 million has been matched through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to restore monarch habitat.

Peoria, Woodford and Marshall Counties are on a reduced mowing schedule to encourage re-establishing native habitats along the roadways.

Volunteers from Prairie Dawgs and Master Gardeners have spread prairie and milkweed seeds on 15 acres near Jubilee College State Park.

The Peoria Garden Club has established a Monarch Task Force to educate the public and to establish more milkweed plants. No milkweed, no monarchs.

Garden Clubs of Illinois Milkweed For Monarchs Chairman Kay MacNeil is offering samples of three kinds of milkweed seed: common, swamp and butterfly weed. To receive these samples, send $3 and a stamped self-addressed business sized envelope to Kay MacNeil, 689 Golf Club Lane, Frankfort, IL 60423. You will also receive instructions and lots of butterfly information including milkweed seed collecting information. IDOT employees have said they will use all the milkweed seed we can give them.

You can help save the monarch by planting milkweed for monarch caterpillars and nectar plants for butterflies. Seeds and more information are available from Monarchwatch.org. Monarch way stations, with identifying signs, can be established through Monarch Watch.org. More information can be obtained from the Forest Park Nature Center or the Peoria Garden Club web site.

Home gardeners can harvest milkweed seeds from the roadside and plant them at home. Although I have experienced a rather low germination rate, I do have two seedlings doing well in my garden and am hoping there will be more. Seed pellets or seedlings can be purchased from Monarchwatch.org.