Monarchs & Friends

08/16/2025

What an incredible Monarch Summer it has been!! The last 3 years have been so depressing with so few Monarchs, but this summer...WOW!!!

I did add quite a few nectar flowers to my waystation, so perhaps that helped increase the number of butterflies I've seen; but I truly believe people are spraying less and planting more - milkweed and other host and nectar plants.

Social media can be overwhelming and negative at times, but it can also positively impact our environment and our outlook on wildlife, life is general. Thank you to everyone who has planted a milkweed plant or liked a Monarch post on any page, not just mine. It's been a wonderful butterfly summer and it's because people just like you & I truly care. Thank you♥️🦋 Enjoy some pictures from my little suburban waystation ♥️🦋

07/22/2025

Hungry, hungry caterpillars 🦋

06/10/2025

Exciting news!! I saw my first Monarch today and SHE laid eggs on my milkweed!!! I'm located in Northern Kentucky; has anyone else spotted their first Monarch of the season?

05/30/2025

As the monarch undergoes transformation within the chrysalis, glimpses of the emerging butterfly become visible.

05/27/2025

Wisconsin has named milkweed the "Plant Species of the Year"!!

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has named milkweed, a wildflower, its "Plant Species of the Year."

05/21/2025

First butterfly eggs of the season I've seen!! Pipevine Swallowtail on my Dutchman Vine!
I believe there are 47 total eggs!!

04/21/2025

Spring has sprung!! If you were planning on planting milkweed seeds, but forgot the 'cold stratification' process often needed for milkweed seeds to germinate, no worries!! Here is an informative video on how to bypass the cold stratification!

I also included a link in the comments for the awesome 60 Minute show that aired yesterday covering Monarchs. It was beautiful and Anderson Cooper did such a good job!

While I disagree with tagging and I wish they would have mentioned the importance of native milkweed, I appreciate the overall efforts and beauty of the program.

https://youtu.be/fWz2efDlwfs?si=GqFxsSHVe1M6yQNc

04/21/2025

Mud puddling explained❤️🦋

Have you seen a butterfly mud puddle?

04/20/2025

Tonight at 7pm!!

One of the most remarkable and mysterious migrations in the natural world is happening right now. Anderson Cooper reports on monarch butterflies. 60 Minutes, Sunday. 60Minutes.com

04/18/2025

Newly eclosed, beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail on my lilac!

04/14/2025

Butterfly Milkweed is one of the most popular native milkweeds. Its brilliant flowers attract many butterflies and hummingbirds. Seeds do not need cold stratification. https://mybutterflylady.etsy.com/listing/886013644

04/14/2025

We've had a few butterflies emerge from their chrysalis this past week. The beautiful male Tiger Swallowtail, host plant is Sweet Bay Magnolias (among others), and the magical Zebra Swallowtail, host plant is the native Kentucky Paw Paw Tree. Aren't they lovely?!!

Anyone seeing butterflies in your yard?