As we approach autumn and winter, Monarch butterflies will begin (and some have already begun) their migration south. There are many aspects which can influence or disrupt this annual migration such as the climate, soil moisture, solar angle, and nectar production in each latitude as they make their way south. The combination of these conditions result in the number of monarchs which successfully make their journey, which you may see along their way!
Eagle Shoreline Protection is a provider of Monarch Waystations, habitats which allow for successive generations of butterflies to reproduce, but more relevant to this migration is the nectar from all of the native plants that sustains these beautiful creatures - plants which are an integral part of any living shoreline. For example, Baraga Lakeside Inn is now a registered Waystation and welcomes more and more butterflies each summer after their living shoreline installation. Click here for before/after photos of the Inn's now-blooming lakeshore. The flowers planted here allow Monarchs to refuel on their long, unpredictable journey.
These 2023 migration metrics and more are laid out in detail by the Monarch Watch Blog, and this specific update was written by Chip Taylor, who succinctly rounds up all of the above information with, "the migration through the Midwest, from 90W to 100W should be similar in size to the migrations of the last three years while the migration from 65W (Maritimes) to 90W (mid-Michigan) will be somewhat lower this year."
Despite the lower viewing numbers predicted for Michigan this migration season, "by creating and maintaining a Monarch Waystation you are contributing to monarch conservation, an effort that will help assure the preservation of the species and the continuation of the spectacular monarch migration phenomenon." While an official Waystation may be out of your reach, anyone can contribute by planting native flowers or simply letting some of your "weeds" grow! Happy viewing, everyone!
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