Monarch Waystation Garden
Located north of Hickory Knolls Discovery Center next to Hickory Hideout
As the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration like birds, the Monarch Butterfly annually flies up to 3,000 miles from as far south as Mexico all the way north into Canada. Because this pollinator species cannot survive in cold temperatures, you may see them travel by day and congregate in clusters at night, an instinct to keep warm. In 2022, Monarchs were identified as an endangered species due to the loss of habitat in their migration range, annually 2.2 million acres. This significant decrease is derived from increased use of pesticides, global climate change, and the development of subdivisions, store fronts and factories. In an effort to aid population recovery, native plant waystations are a key resource to provide breeding and feeding opportunities. These sites, comprised heavily of milkweed plants, promote the native habitats needed to sustain the species and preserve the continuation of the spectacular monarch migration phenomenon.
Established Summer 2022
A Cooperative Effort Supporting Pollinators
St. Charles Park District
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
St. Charles Breakfast Rotary Club
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