Reflections

Reports are circulating  that the Western Monarch butterfly is in trouble. Forty years ago, as many as 10 million would flock to California annually for the winter. But last year, the Monarch census in California counted only 30,000 of them---86 less than in 2017. Scientists are warning that number may not be enough for the species to survive. Habitat destruction is a problem. Fewer stands of the milkweed are available on which Monarchs lay their eggs and a favored food source.  Droughts triggered by global warming are also partly responsible.  The decision should be announced in June whether to declare these beautiful creatures an endangered species. Bottom line, sustaining wild areas with milkweed populations and planting bushes and perennials that attract the Monarch are crucial. My own giant butterfly bush bit the dust a winter ago, but I moved another to that same location and added a new plant as well.  Technically butterfly bushes are hardy enough for Northern Michigan but some botanists believe that the severe climate extremes might shorten the plant's life span. Whatever . . . the challenge ahead for summer includes the call to think 'Monarch'.