Rockwall County Open Space Alliance: Saving monarchs from extinction

Everett and Evangeline Stewart get help from their father while grandmother helps Alexia Douglas,

(ROCKWALL, TX) Last month, 30 adults and 32 children attended the interactive workshop that offered a great opportunity for families to spend a fun time together learning about the unique migration of the Monarchs’ flight that includes Rockwall. Most agreed that the important lesson of the event was learning how to help save the beautiful endangered Monarch Butterfly by creating a family butterfly garden.

“More than 90% of the North American Monarch Butterflies have disappeared in the last 20 years,” explained Nell Welborn, president of the Rockwall County Open Space Alliance, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit whose members are working to educate the public about the value of open space and important environmental issues in Rockwall County.

Alma McClintock, Alliance board member, presented a slide show with questions and answers, followed by a workshop where participants used biodegradable pots to plant nectar flowers to feed the migrating Monarchs as they travel through Texas later this Spring.

Alliance members hope to focus attention on setting up family gardens to attract the butterflies and help them survive their journey.

Organizers recognized members the Rockwall Heath High School Student Council for assisting with setting up the room, registering guests and preparing the biodegradable pots for planting. Also recognized was Lindsey Snelling, Youth Service Librarian for facilitating the event. Materials for the workshop – biodegradable pots, potting soil and seeds – were donated by the local Lowe’s Home Improvement store

HOW TO HELP THE MONARCHS

· Plant nectar plants and Texas native milkweed for food.

· Avoid pesticides, which kill all four stages of Monarchs.

· Create a Monarch Way Station in backyard gardens.

· Help spread the word! Start butterfly gardens in your neighborhood.

· Tell your neighbors and support Monarch organizations.

The official Texas Insect – the King of Monarchs – drew a capacity crowd to the Storytime Room of the Rockwall County Library recently for the second Monarch butterfly workshop, sponsored by the library and the Rockwall County Open Space Alliance.

Submitted by Rockwall County Open Space Alliance.

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