2016 counts

2016 Fall Peak Migration of Monarch Butterflies

Start looking to the skies from now until mid-October for our annual orange fluttering guests on their annual 2000+ miles migration to Mexico.  There will be smaller numbers sighted before and after this time period: however, the greater numbers will be more prevalent then. Last year I saw them into early November.

I have been hearing many reports of Monarchs fluttering in LBI residents’ gardens this summer. Also people are calling me about way stations they have created in their gardens, planting milkweed and flowers specifically geared toward Monarchs. Milkweed is the only plant Monarchs lay their eggs on, as it is the only food their offspring can eat.

Because LBI has mostly hard landscaping the food sources for the butterflies and their offspring are rapidly diminishing.  Diminished food sources and pesticides are the causes of the declining population.

I offer free seeds at my presentations to everyone who wishes to start their own mini Waystations. All you need is a large potting container and seeds.

From June 22 until today I have had Monarchs laying eggs and flying around my habitat every day, all day. You can do this too. I have released over 400.  Others have started their own Way Stations. One LBI resident reporting she has raised 50 so far this year.

I offer free seeds at my presentations on LBI to enable those interested in saving Monarchs to create their own habitats, their own Monarch Way Stations.
 For those interested I will be available during the kite festival at Fire Fly in Surf City, Oct. 8^th, 10-12.

Below are the simple directions to create your own mini (non-invasive) container garden. Plant seeds as they have a longer growing period, and supplement with established plants. Ask your nursery if the plants have been treated with pesticides, even organic pesticides kill caterpillars and bees.

Butterfly Weed and Bright Light Cosmos seed planting instructions (seed packets I have been sharing with LBI residents:
Sow seeds in a sunny location late fall in a large plastic pot or container or directly into the ground. Cover 1/4 inch. In the spring they should poke up and be the beginnings of your own Monarch Way station.

Judith Jobson (Johnson)

North Beach Haven N.J.