Monarch butterflies have been in the news! Maybe you’ve heard that their numbers have dipped so much that their amazing migration is in danger. One group of scientists has even declared migratory monarchs endangered. Scientists are asking everyone to do what they can to help monarchs. The Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) has a special committee of volunteers called Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas (BBMT) to do just that. We’re helping Texans young and old understand what they can plant in their regions and neighborhoods to help monarchs survive and thrive.
The BBMT’s annual grant program works with Texans all across the state to provide advice, connections, and funding that will help groups install monarch habitat gardens in spaces with public access. Last year we were able to supply funds for 53 garden projects. We know that every native plant people plant for monarchs also helps sustain dozens of other native species.
Do these grant gardens work? Our grant recipients tell us they do! Small spaces can make a big difference for small creatures, and help monarchs make it to the next patch of habitat along their migration route. These gardens also serve as places where people can see and get familiar with native plants for their own landscapes.
Here’s what Linda O’Nan, Highland Lakes NPSOT chapter said about their grant project at the Inks Dam Fish Hatchery:
“A visiting butterfly enthusiast recently presented Friends of the Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery with a list of over 40 butterfly species he observed in just a few hours here in the gardens. These learning opportunities make the FOIDNFH pollinator garden a super destination spot.”
Vickie Wilson, South Texas NPSOT chapter, from the Rockport Post Office project told us:
“The best part of this project was all the local residents that would engage us in conversation regarding our project when we were working on site. People of all ages were complimentary of our work, asked about native plants, monarchs, and were so glad that we had replaced the weeds from before.” And: “I think that the incredible response we had from locals kept our team engaged. We couldn’t wait to get back to the post office and visit with our neighbors about what we are doing.”
While these small projects are working to help monarchs and other pollinators survive, they are also building strong communities and an appreciation of native plants.
Your gift through the Native Plant Society of Texas to the Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas committee this Giving Tuesday on November 29th will help us keep creating new habitats and reaching Texans with the message that native plants are beautiful and durable in a landscape. Please give as an individual, through your NPSOT chapter, or in cooperation with your employer’s matching gift program.
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