What's Happening - March 2005
Monarch Recovery Project
Monarch butterflies are loved by everyone but unfortunately they are currently facing serious challenges. Habitat loss due to changes in farming practices, housing development and highway maintenance all contribute to the elimination of milkweed. Monarchs depend on the milkweed plant as a place to lay eggs. The emerging caterpillars use the plant as food. It is essential for Monarchs to have milkweed in order to survive.
The Friends of Wildwood would like to encourage all of our neighbors to help the Monarch by planting Milkweed seeds. This is a small part that we can play in guaranteeing the survival of the Monarch. The Ogallala Comfort Company, which manufactures products from milkweed fibers, has generously provided seeds for us to distribute. We would like to encourage you to find a place in your flower garden for milkweed plants. They produce a beautiful pink flower cluster in late summer and therefore are a pleasant addition to your garden.
Ogallala Comfort Company
www.buymilkweed.com
www.ogallalacomfortcompany.com
The University of Kansas has a wonderful program that studies Monarch Butterflies and is attempting to help resolve the problems that Monarchs now face. Their website has a wealth of information.
www.MonarchWatch.org
The Milkweed Farm offers a wide selection of milkweed seeds
www.milkweedfarm.com
Planting Instructions for Milkweed Seeds
Till soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Seedbed should be smooth, firm and weed free. Soil temperatures must be at least 60 degrees. Scattering seeds works well with milkweed. Rake ground lightly to cover the seed with ΒΌ inch of soil. Compact soil after planting. Water daily until milkweed sprouts. Supplementary watering may be necessary during growing season. Water if young plants appear heat stressed. Do not over-water. Planting in groups of eight or more will enable Monarchs to more easily find them. Eggs are laid on underside of leaves. Do not be concerned if Monarchs consume plant. Milkweed will regenerate and is a perennial.