Help Save Texas’ Adorable Monarch Butterflies Just Plant a Garden

The Monarch Butterfly Decline in Texas: Why It Matters More Than You Think

My Childhood Memories Are Filled with Butterflies

Growing up in Texas, I vividly remember chasing butterflies in the backyard, crafting makeshift butterfly catchers from coat hangers and screen material. Monarch butterflies were everywhere, fluttering between my mom’s and grandma’s gardens. Little did I know that by releasing them back into our yard, I was actually helping nature’s most efficient pollinators do their job, ensuring our gardens thrived with fruits and vegetables.

A Disturbing Decline Over the Years

Recently, I came across a press release from the Texas Department of Agriculture and the National Wildlife Federation warning about the sharp decline in monarch populations. At first, I was skeptical, after all, every fall, I still see monarchs flying through my neighborhood. But as I thought about it, I realized I don’t see nearly as many as I used to. Their migration, once a spectacular sight from late September to early October, seems thinner each year.

Monarchs migrate from Texas to the rich hill country of Mexico in the winter and return in the spring to reproduce. But now, their dwindling numbers are becoming a real concern. These butterflies play a crucial role in pollination, and without them, the fruits and vegetables we rely on could suffer.

Extreme Weather and Habitat Loss Are Making It Worse

Texas has experienced unpredictable weather patterns over the last few years, from devastating winter storms like 2021’s "Snow-pocalypse" to record-breaking heat waves. Monarchs are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, freezing temperatures can kill them instantly, while warmer-than-usual winters can disrupt their migration and breeding cycles.

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At the same time, habitat destruction is shrinking their numbers. Urban development and large-scale agriculture have drastically reduced milkweed, the only plant monarch caterpillars eat. Without milkweed, they can’t complete their life cycle, which leads to even fewer butterflies in the wild.

A Childhood Warning That Rings True Today

I’ll never forget watching my cousins catch monarchs and press them between the pages of a book to preserve them. Even as a child, I told them, “I hope you guys never go hungry, stop killing the butterflies.” Now, I realize how true those words were.

If we don’t take action to protect monarch butterflies, we may find ourselves struggling to pollinate our own crops. Without natural pollinators, we’ll have to rely more on artificial methods, which could be costly and unsustainable.

What Texans Can Do to Help

Saving the monarchs isn’t just a nature lover’s concern, it’s essential for our food supply and ecosystem. Here are a few ways Texans can help:

• Plant Native Milkweed: Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants, so growing native species can give them a fighting chance.
• Create Butterfly-Friendly Gardens: Nectar-rich flowers like lantana, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans provide food for monarchs on their migration journey.
• Reduce Pesticide Use: Harmful pesticides can kill butterflies and other pollinators. Opt for organic or butterfly-friendly gardening methods instead.
• Support Conservation Efforts: Organizations like the National Wildlife Federation Ohand Texas Monarch Watch work to restore habitats and raise awareness.

The Future of Monarchs in Texas

The decline of monarch butterflies in Texas is a warning sign of larger environmental issues. Their struggle is our struggle, because in the end, if we don’t protect our pollinators, we’ll have to find a way to do their job ourselves. And that’s not something we should take lightly.

If you’ve noticed fewer monarchs in your area, now’s the time to act. The fate of these butterflies, and our food supply, may depend on it.