A Closer Look at Monarchs & Milkweeds: Latest Information from Xerces

Milkweeds (Asclepias species) are getting a lot of attention these days since they are the only larval host plants for the threatened Monarch Butterfly.   As you may know, butterfly caterpillars have a different diet than their adult counterparts.   Most caterpillars eat plant parts, usually leaves.  Monarch caterpillars only eat the leaves of milkweeds. The Xerces Society, a non-profit leader in…

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“Wildlife Matters” Landscaping Conference at The Native Plant Center

The dramatic decline of many of our common species has been an environmental wake up call.   The Monarch butterfly population is crashing, honey bees and many native bee species are experiencing record losses, and the 20 most common bird species have dropped by an average of 68% in the past 45 years (National Audubon Society).  These iconic species are…

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