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: milkweed
Iowa efforts cited in overwintering mona...
While California is marking a record low number of overwintering monarch butterflies, counts in Mexico are more encouraging. The latest survey in Mexico — where monarchs from Iowa overwinter — showed a doubling in population compared to last year. Experts say further efforts are needed to bring monarchs back from their perilous decline, particularly by […]
Free pollinator seeds offered during Mil...
The Monarch Research Project, a nonprofit based in Marion, Iowa, is distributing free milkweed and pollinator seeds during “The Million Seed Giveaway.” They had a good crowd this past Saturday and hope for more of the same this upcoming Saturday, May 12. The pollinator seed mix was created by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation with […]
Battle of the cats: differences between ...
After successfully growing just one milkweed plant in my backyard last year, I was excited to have dozens dotting the yard this summer. But sadly, the plants remain pristine, with no sign of the munching monarch caterpillars that use milkweed as its sole food source, and the reason I wanted the plants to thrive. See […]
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 […]
Milkweed plants at Noelridge Mother’s Da
UPDATE (May 2, 2016): The city sent out a corrected press release to note that visitors don’t need to make a purchase to take home a free milkweed plant and also changes the schedule of events. Original post: Mother’s Day this year falls on Sunday, May 8, the earliest date possible for the celebration, which […]
Iowa central to proposed “Monarch Highwa
By Cindy Hadish/Homegrown Iowan CEDAR RAPIDS – Travelers along Interstate 35 would share the plus-1,500-mile route with some migrating friends if plans for a “Monarch Highway” take flight. Chip Taylor, founder and director of Monarch Watch and professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Kansas, described the proposal during his presentation Jan. […]
Spring plant sales bloom in Eastern Iowa
This spring, it seemed like it might have been safe to plant earlier than usual, and then we get hit with a few nights of frost warnings. So, at least I don’t feel too far behind. If you’re eager to get your hands in the dirt, you’re in luck. Plant sales are kicking off this […]
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 […]
Plant sales are blooming in Iowa, plus a...
After such a long winter and cold start to the spring, I’ve heard from many gardeners eager to get their hands in the dirt. To kick-start the gardening season, area plant sales are getting under way. I think it’s especially cool to see that Friends of Hickory Hill Park will have milkweed plugs for sale, […]