Monarchs in Migration

Monarch Butterfly

by Shelly Spaur

Over the last couple of months, monarch butterflies born in late July and August have slowly made a 1500 mile trip south to a small area in Central Mexico called the “Oyamel Forest”. These are the lucky ones; they will live approximately 8 months while most butterflies live only 2 to 3 weeks. Every 3rd to 4th generation of the monarch will make the trip south. They travel at a rate of 25 to 30 miles per day from Canada and the Midwest to the fir forests in Mexico which become their winter home.

On Tuesday, November 12, 2013, Mahaska Country Naturalist, Laura DeCook, presented a class on these beautiful orange and black butterflies at the ISU Extension Office in Oskaloosa. Eleven attendees enjoyed a power point presentation and video explaining the life cycle and migration pattern of the monarch. Ms. DeCook explained the importance of milkweed and nectar plants which provide the habitat and food necessary for the survival of monarchs. She explained to the attendees how to tag and track monarch butterflies through www.monarchwatch.org.

The next event being held by the Mahaska County Conservation Board will be “Winter Tales”. It will be held at Russell Wildlife on the 1st Saturday in December and will consist of cookie decorating and stories. You do not need to preregister for the event.

The Mahaska Country Conservation Office is also currently fundraising for the Environmentalist Learning Center to be built at Caldwell Park. Ms. DeCook stated that “if any groups, individuals or businesses would like a presentation or more information about the plans for the learning center or the different donation levels, please call the conservation board office at (641)673-9327”.