
You already know that the monarchs are rapidly dropping in numbers, and may be listed as endangered by the Endangered Species Act this June, but did you know that there are people who are trying to help them and have founded
The Monarch Butterfly Habitat Exchange to do just that. Their plan is to restore and conserve as much of the monarchs natural habitat as possible. It is the only program of its kind with the potential to turn large farms and ranches into monarch habitats quickly.
In order to protect monarch butterflies from becoming an endangered species in 2019, millions of acres of native milkweed need to be restored to support a larger monarch butterfly population. The monarch’s migration route is so vast, that one group cannot possibly restore enough milkweed alone. One of the main aspects that will make this project a success is by getting farmers and ranchers involved. Since agricultural lands make up almost half of the acreage necessary to repopulate the monarch species, getting the owners of these private lands on board would be the ultimate game changer for the fate of these butterflies.
Amy Greer, a sixth generation rancher in Texas, has already jumped in to participate in
The Monarch Butterfly Habitat Exchange. They have agreed to use their large acreage to reestablish native milkweed and wildflowers to benefit monarchs on her family ranch.
Because of the enormity of this project,
The Monarch Butterfly Habitat Exchange is trying to find donors of all varieties, especially food, chemical and seed companies, state farm bureaus, wildlife agencies, and philanthropic organizations, as well as any concerned citizens willing to donate.
With such an iconic butterfly species close to making the endangered species list, it is time to ban together to prevent another beloved creature disappear from our ecosystems forever. Citizens are encouraged to donate to the cause and keep these vibrant butterflies alive in our backyards for a long time.
Source: motherearthnews.com