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Related Information
The goal of the Monarch Service Project is to provide a variety of service learning opportunities for students in ENTO 322, Insects in Human Society, students that are connected to the Monarch Butterfly, pollinators, and sustainability issues. The different sections of this project allow for specific ways to get involved. Some sections allow students to physically meet at specific locations that are all within 25 miles the Texas A&M campus. For students who do not have a way of meeting, there are specific sections that include online work with that students group. Below are a few sections of information useful to the sections of the Monarch Service Project and related information.
Bravos Valley Parks and Recreation
There are many ways that the parks and recreation of the Bryan College Station area are involved with monarchs and their migration. This movement has been crucial in keeping the Monarchs on their migration pattern as they pass through Brazos Valley.
Photo from amgardenclub – WordPress.com
How You Can Help fuel the Fall Monarch Migration
Milkweed Production
There are many pollinators that benefit from the presence of Milkweed. Monarch Butterflies in particular use Milkweed at many stages in their lives. Monarchs need Milkweed as food for their caterpillars, making this the host plant for Monarchs. They also drink the milk as adults and use Milkweed to lay their eggs. This plant also arms adult Monarchs with a poison that turns predators off from eating these butterflies due to a specific steroid found in the Milkweed that is toxic to most herbivores. By planting Milkweed in your garden you can help with the great migration process of these beautiful butterflies. Below are sites that provide more information on this subject.
Photo from – kelseytambio – WordPress.com
Butterfly and Pollinator Habitats
Pollinators are needed in places where the population has declined due to urbanization. Along with honey bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are also great pollinators. Each species having their own specific ways of pollinating. There are even certain plants that some species pollinate because others can not. Bellow are information pages where you can learn more about pollinator habits!
Status of Pollinators in North America
Wings at work: Butterflies pollinate plants, but in ways different from all others
Community Gardens
Due to the involvement of the government with the parks and recreation efforts to aid the Monarch population while migrating, there have been new community gardens and efforts to make gardens more conducive to Monarch feeding patterns.
Photo from North American Butterfly Association
Written by Deanna Smith, 11/15/18