Milkweed & The Monarch Butterfly: An Endangered Species In Canada

The monarch butterfly population in North America has plummeted over the past two decades.

Here in Canada, they are becoming scarce. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, 90 percent of the monarch butterflies that migrate from Mexico to Canada have disappeared.

There is a petition you can sign that supports the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada's recommendation to list monarchs as an endangered species under the Species at Risk Act.

You can also submit photos and tracking details to Mission Monarch to help document the monarch’s reproductive success. It's pretty easy to maintain. (1) Find milkweed (2) Verify the presence of monarch (3) Write your observations (4) Sign up and send your data.

Another easy solution: GROW MILKWEED!

Milkweed is the only thing that the monarchs eat. As more land is cultivated for homes, farms etc, the less milkweed there is growing wild. Plant some in the back of your garden, in a hedge on your farm, or anywhere on your land.

Common Milkweed: This pops up everywhere. In my carrot bed, amongst the zucchini and we are thrilled that we don't have to plant any.

I have to say, sitting in the garden observing the caterpillars, checking each day to see if any transformations are underway - is exciting. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to see some Monarch butterflies before they migrate.