I don't know how it is in Texas, but here in Florida, a fair majority advocate against having Tropical Milkweed or having other Monarch host plants during the winter months so that the Monarchs are encouraged to move on. However, not much thought is given to the notion that climate change might be the bigger reason for the change in Monarch migration and by not having alternate, non-native host plants to sustain Monarchs during these cooler months, we are pushing them closer to extinction. It is a bit like how Florida's wildflower initiative to have wildflowers planted on the sides of the highways lures butterflies and bees into a corridor of death. Good intentions leading to undesirable results.
I proudly display my Certified Wildlife Habitat sign in my front yard. I love this organization.
I don't know how it is in Texas, but here in Florida, a fair majority advocate against having Tropical Milkweed or having other Monarch host plants during the winter months so that the Monarchs are encouraged to move on. However, not much thought is given to the notion that climate change might be the bigger reason for the change in Monarch migration and by not having alternate, non-native host plants to sustain Monarchs during these cooler months, we are pushing them closer to extinction. It is a bit like how Florida's wildflower initiative to have wildflowers planted on the sides of the highways lures butterflies and bees into a corridor of death. Good intentions leading to undesirable results.
😢
❤
I wish SD had more resources for native plants. 😢