Local nonprofit Deschutes Land Trust has reported sightings of western monarch butterflies in central Oregon, including at their Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. The presence of monarch butterflies in the area is attributed to the native milkweed plant, which the butterflies rely on for laying eggs and as a food source for their caterpillars.
Amanda Egertson, stewardship director at the Land Trust, explained that monarch butterflies overwinter in California and migrate north in the summer, passing through central Oregon on their way. Each generation of monarch butterflies goes a little farther north, with four generations making the trek as far north as Washington and southern Canada before the super generation returns south to overwinter in California.
In recent years, the number of monarchs making the trip back to California has declined by more than 90%, prompting conservation efforts to restore their habitat outside of California. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation has outlined steps for monarch recovery, including planting native milkweed to support their lifecycle.
To support monarch butterflies, the Deschutes Land Trust plants native milkweed in their preserves and gives away milkweed seeds for people to plant at home. By planting milkweed, individuals can help create habitat for monarch butterflies and contribute to their conservation efforts.
According to Egertson, the more people planting milkweed, the better chance of supporting monarch butterflies in the region. By participating in events like Summer with the Library, where milkweed seeds will be distributed, individuals can play a role in preserving the monarch butterfly population in central Oregon.
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Photo credit www.hereisoregon.com