The numbers of Monarch butterfly have taken a dip in recent
years. Disappearance of native
perennials is one of the main reasons for the downswing. The butterfly highway of
North Carolina meant to ensure connectivity has gathered lot of international
attention recently. The innovative scheme is the brain child of Angel Hjarding who
is earning a doctoral degree in geography at UNC Charlotte. Biodiversity
monitoring is part of her research.
The plight of Monarch
butterfly came to the attention of Hjarding during the course of her
monitoring. Monarch butterfly makes its way from North America to Central
Mexico and back again each year. North Carolina is a prime area of the
butterfly’s route.
Hjarding aims to restore native pollinator habitats to areas
impacted by urbanization. Community
gardens, backyard gardens, public spaces and park fragments are planned to act as
pollinator and wildlife habitats. No
garden is too small to make an impact. Planting milkweed is encouraged to help
the monarchs. It is the only plant they will use to lay their eggs. Asters, phlox, tick seed and native
honeysuckle complement the efforts. Trees are also important. Hjarding says Oak
trees host more caterpillars than any other plant. What is good for butterflies
is also good for bees, birds and other wildlife.
Well done Angel Hjarding . We salute you
Log on to http://www.butterflyhighway.org/
for more information.
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