Monarchs are the orange, black and white creatures you likely picture first when you think of a butterfly, and across the continent, conservation efforts are underway to protect them from becoming extinct.
“They’re really the king of the butterflies. That’s why they’re named monarchs,“ says Wanda Stelly, a Lebeau woman who raises monarchs. She says their main food source, milkweed, is dying out, and if nothing is done, the butterflies are next to go.
Stelly made it her mission to help save the monarchs. Her effort started when she planted one milkweed plant in her backyard, hoping to attract a few females. It didn't take long for Stelly to become obsessed.
“This is what happened: I ended up with a bunch of milkweed, and every year, the butterflies come, and the females lay on the milkweed, and I take them and put them in a cage, and I raise them,“ says Stelly. “It’s a commitment to take care of them and all, but once you see your first butterfly go, you’re hooked. I didn’t think that would happen to me, but last year, I let out 253, and so far this year, I have let out 215.”
Friends and family members have caught on to Stelly's passion project, planting their own milkweed too.
Scientists advise those looking to start a butterfly garden should research native milkweed to ensure strong, healthy butterflies.
