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By Rama K Ramaswamy
According to Sustainable Wellesley (SW) and risk characterization studies conducted by the US Department of Agriculture, EPA, many independent research facilities and universities in the U.S. as well as those abroad in the UK, the national and global populations of butterflies are declining. While some studies take aim at habitat loss as the culprit, others include unsubstantiated correlations between concentrations of pollen within and outside cornfields and in conjunction with milkweed plants. Yet other researchers indicate a 90% decline in Monarch populations, for example, due to widespread use of pesticides and herbicides. The SW leadership encourages all to “help restore Monarchs by planting milkweed plants (asclepias incarnata) in your pesticide and herbicide-free yards!”
Furthermore, according to SW, “milkweeds are an essential part of the Monarch diet - the caterpillars MUST eat it in order to survive.” The milkweed plant is “attractive”, according to SW, with “beautiful pink and white flowers that will attract butterflies and other pollinators to your home. You can obtain milkweed plant plugs through Sustainable Wellesley (sustainablewellesley.com) or make a donation to Sustainable Wellesley in favor of this cause. The plugs grow quickly and are very low-maintenance.”
This is the second year that Sustainable Wellesley has offered milkweeds to the Wellesley community. Last year, the SW Board, comprised of five members: Scott Bender, Jeff Novins, Lise Olney, Quentin Prideaux, and Phyllis Theermann, enjoyed “a great success with over sixty homeowners planting over 200 milkweed plants. Monarchs were spotted taking advantage of the bounty.” Currently, they have over 1,000 members, and are also the parent group for Wellesley Green Schools. Their message for this year, once again, is “please take part in helping the Monarchs and plant milkweeds in your yard this summer!” For information and placing orders, please go to: http://www.sustainablewellesley.com/milkweed-for-monarchs.
