Butterflies for the Bays
It is officially August.
And with August, comes the start of the Monarch butterfly migration season. Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) go through four life stages - egg, caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa), and adult butterfly. Caterpillars are very dependent on the plant milkweed, they feed on it almost exclusively before they enter the chrysalis stage. Maintaining healthy populations of milkweed is crucial for the species’ survival. Due to the decline in milkweed, as well as destruction of habitat, monarchs are classified as endangered.
Monarchs migrate along both the east and west coasts, from Canada and the Northern United States, all the way to Mexico or Southern California. The spring/summer, northern migration is accomplished by a total of 4 generations that lay eggs on milkweed plants along the way, each life cycle is only about 4 weeks, with each consecutive generation carrying on the journey. The 5th generation, however, lives about 9 months, and completed the full migration as they head from north to south in the fall. That’s what we are likely starting to see now!
This species is crucial to understanding the health of Earth’s ecosystems, as they are very sensitive to environmental changes. Scientist can use monarch populations as a warning for environmental issues that may not be observable otherwise.
In mid July, we received some monarch caterpillars at our Tiana Bayside Facility. We set up an area in our coastal gardens, specifically in our milkweed garden bed, adding protective netting to protect the larvae from predation. We also set up an indoor enclosure, full of pollinating plants and milkweed for the caterpillars, which allowed more careful observation by our campers throughout the summer. Thanks to our community members, we had extra milkweed plants donated, to satisfy the appetites of our very hungry caterpillars!
This incredible opportunity allowed for the hands-on integration of the monarch lifecycle into our camp curriculum. Our campers were able to see the caterpillars eat, watch the chrysalis form, and see the butterflies emerge from their chrysalis. Campers and staff marveled as caterpillars molted (shed their skin) and built chrysalises. As each butterfly emerged, they spent one day drying their wings, and fueling up on nectar. When they were ready, we carefully set them free from their enclosures. Our campers had the opportunity to free the monarchs themselves, with staff assistance, and watch them fly around and land from flower to flower.
Allowing someone to experience the beauty of nature hands on, leaves more of a lasting experience throughout one's life. I am very grateful that our campers were able to experience the circle of life for one of Earth's most beloved species.
Thank you to our Hampton Bays Stewardship Site partners, supporters, and stewards!
