On July 21st, 2022, migratory monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus plexippus, were added to the growing list of endangered species list by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Monarchs migrate to Maine in mid-summer and stay through early fall every year, but the species have declined significantly, particularly over the last decade.
Land owners can do their part to encourage population growth of this declining species by planting native milkweed species and other native plants for pollinators. The Wild Seed Project is an excellent resource for learning about and acquiring plant species native to Maine, including the four species of milkweed native to Maine. Scarborough Land Trust recommends planting native species, and acquiring locally seeds to preserve the genetics of Maine’s ecological landscape.
To learn more about what you can do to help this declining species, join Scarborough Land Trust and Scarborough Public Library for the Monarch Butterfly Story Time and Lesson at Memorial Park at 10am on August 24th!