A new report shows progress being made in adding habitat for monarch butterflies in Iowa. Related: See how the city of Cedar Rapids took a step backwards for monarchs and other pollinators. Read more about the new report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources: AMES, Iowa — Iowa has been steadily adding new habitat […]
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Tag: butterflies
Nature Watch: Migrating generation of mo...
Even as late as mid-September, monarch butterflies are depositing eggs on milkweed in Eastern Iowa. If Iowa’s weather cooperates, those eggs will hatch in about four days to become tiny larvae, or caterpillars, which feast on the milkweed for two weeks before transforming into a chrysalis. More: Cicada emergence For advocates who raise monarchs indoors, […]
Lanky milkweed in search of monarch butt...
Milkweed – the sole food source for monarch caterpillars – used to grow freely in my backyard until trees turned the once-sunny yard into a shade garden. What was easy to grow years ago became a challenge, but I persisted, hoping to do my small part to help monarch butterflies, whose populations have dropped considerably […]
Photo gallery: Winter Gardening Fair 201...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Knowing that warmer days are near made the timing perfect for today’s Winter Gardening Fair at Coe College. Monarch butterfly expert and author, Susie Vanderlip, gave a spirited keynote presentation about her work in California with monarch butterflies, and many master gardeners and other horticulture experts led workshops throughout the day. Related: […]
Save birds and butterflies; earn free pa...
A partnership between Iowa’s State Forest Nursery and Reiman Gardens will help promote planting habitat for songbirds and butterflies. Learn more about this partnership from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources: DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ State Forest Nursery and Reiman Gardens are teaming up to promote butterfly and songbird habitat. […]
Winter Gardening Fair brings spring to I...
By Cindy Hadish/for City Revealed magazine An idea that sprouted years ago has blossomed into one of the largest events of its kind. The Winter Gardening Fair, presented by the Linn County Master Gardeners, showcases a day of horticulture with workshops, a keynote presentation and more. “It’s an opportunity to have a little bit of […]
Monarch Watch founder to speak at Kirkwo...
Linn County Master Gardeners are kicking off a new “Planting For Pollinators” year, starting with a presentation at Kirkwood Community College by the founder and director of Monarch Watch on Jan. 20, 2016. The monarch population has been decreasing, due in large part to declining habitat and the loss of milkweed, which serves as the […]
Milkweed for monarchs an added attractio...
In case you missed the Easter Showcase last month, you’ll soon have another chance to visit the Noelridge Greenhouse. The free milkweed plant given with each purchase, in itself, is a great reason to go to the Mother’s Day Showcase, to help our monarch butterflies. In addition, you’ll see row upon row of flowers and […]
New Iowa collaboration provides hope for...
Good news for monarch butterflies comes with the announcement from Iowa State University about a new statewide effort to support the habitat of monarchs. While some of the partners might raise eyebrows, funding has to come from somewhere and at least this is an admirable cause to support. Here is more about this week’s announcement […]
Free film screening in Iowa City sheds l...
UPDATE: Prairiewoods in Hiawatha will offer a similar event, with a focus on the decline of monarchs. Here is that info: The Plight of the Monarch at Prairiewoods, Monday, May 5, 7–9 p.m. Have you noticed that the population of monarch butterflies is dwindling? Spring is the time to plant milkweed and native flowers, crucial […]