The Monarch Project

Ellie Ryan, November, 2007

Monarch butterflies are rare today in the Willamette Valley whereas formerly they were more abundant. Milkweed plants are the specific food for the caterpillars of the Monarch. Milkweeds provide chemicals which protect the caterpillars from many enemies, especially birds. Chemicals in milkweeds also produce pheromones to assure successful mating of adult Monarch butterflies. Hence Milkweed is crucial to survival of the Monarch in the Willamette Valley.

To help increase the abundance of Monarchs in the Willamette Valley, the Monarch Project will assist you in planting our local Milkweed, Aclepias speciosa, in your garden or other property. We have available Milkweed roots, and complete directions for planting your milkweed. Please call "The Monarch Man", John Hogan, at 767-9793, or email him at . He can arrange to send you roots by mail. The roots are very inexpensive and John is researching the cost of shipping the roots. He is willing to advise you if you have questions or difficulties with growing your milkweed. We want you to succeed.

We are interested in following the success of your new milkweed plants. After the asparagus-like shoots are predicted to emerge in the spring we will email you (with your permission) to see if your plants have emerged. Replacements may possibly be available if your plants do not emerge. Later, if your plants attract Monarchs, please let us know.

Monarch eggs may be available for hatching if Monarchs are seen in our gardens. One hundred Monarchs were hand-reared and released this last summer in Eugene and Cottage Grove. Later in the season, when eggs are available, we can provide directions for rearing Monarchs. The process is suprisingly easy and enjoyable for all the family.

Your planting of Milkweed will help to provide food for the caterpillars and nectar for migrating Monarch butterflies. Thanks for helping increase the abundance of Monarchs in our area.