Monarch Waystation Habitat

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Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweeds throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers these fall migratory monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico. The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world. 

We added 16 new milkweed plants and nectar plants in the Willis Lane Outdoor Learning Facility (WOLF) garden on campus in an effort to counter milkweed plant loss due to pesticides and development. The WOLF earned a certification as a Monarch Waystation from Monarch Watch. The garden has 4 different species of milkweed, which monarch butterflies use as a host plant. Budget for certification and Waystation sign was $49.95, funded by WLES PTA.