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FAQ
WHY DO WE NEED POLLINATORS ANYWAY?
Good question! The best way to answer it is with another question: Do you like Chocolate? Or Coffee? Neither would be available for us to enjoy without pollinators. How about artichokes, avocadoes, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, celery, coconut, cranberries, cucumbers, dairy products (from cows that eat alfalfa and clover), mango, kiwifruit, starfruit, passion fruit, cherries, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, apples, figs, plums, grapefruit, honey, watermelon, cantaloupe, cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pumpkins, tomatoes, . Again, we would not have any of this food to eat. How about herbs like basil, dill, fennel, kale, parsnip, rose hips, or cilantro? Nope, no longer available. How about spices like vanilla, sugar (from sugarcane), sesame seeds, cardamom, coriander, nutmeg, allspice or anise? Or, cooking oils like canola oil and sesame oil? Nope. How about teas like chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, and bergamot? And for you drinkers: Tequila (from the agave plant). By now, you know what the answer is: nope. This is just a small sampling of the food we would not have without our pollinator friends doing their tireless work as part of the natural ecosystem. What we currently are blessed to eat in abundance would be meager indeed without pollinators. Does that make them worth rising up to protect? We think it does!
WHY ARE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES IMPORTANT TO CONSERVE?
The survival of the iconic Monarch butterfly is an important indicator for how all pollinator populations are faring. All of our pollinator populations are in steep decline since the mid-nineties. The Monarch serves as a great representative of all pollinator populations: They are great pollinators, contribute to biodiversity, and are a flagship species for the health of our entire ecosystems. Every effort to protect the Monarch with citizen conservation efforts also help protect other pollinator populations and their respective habitats.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN THREATS TO MONARCH BUTTERFLIES?
The main threats to Monarch butterflies include (i) widespread neonicotinoid systemic pesticide use by U.S. farmers, (ii) habitat loss due to urbanization, development, and expansive agricultural land use (in the case of Monarchs it is the loss of milkweed host plants), and (iii) climate fluctuations. These factors have led to declining Monarch populations over 90% since the mid-1990s. These are the same challenges that are dramatically affecting all pollinator populations.
HOW CAN I HELP SAVE THE MONARCH?
You can help conserve Monarchs by planting native milkweed and nectar plants, reducing pesticide use, supporting conservation organizations, participating in education efforts, and/or participating in citizen science projects like Monarch monitoring programs. WingsRising can help you engage with any or all of these avenues!
WHAT IS A MONARCH WAYSTATION?
A Monarch Waystation is a designated area with native plants that provide food and habitat for Monarchs during their migration. Creating a waystation in your garden or community can support Monarch conservation. Contact us if you need help designing or implementing such a waystation. An excellent program for creating and certifying that your waystation is contains the necessary elements is to follow certification program offered by Monarch Watch.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS (OTHER THAN WINGSRISING) FOCUS ON MONARCH CONSERVATION?
CAN I GET INVOLVED IN MONARCH CONSERVATION IF I DON'T HAVE A GARDEN OR LAND?
Absolutely! You can support Monarch conservation by volunteering with local organizations like WingsRising, planting indigenous milkweed in your community, keeping an eye out for land that would be a good candidate for inclusion in the Land Preservation Trust (contact us with this information), participating in education and awareness campaigns, and advocating for policies that protect Monarch habitats. Every effort counts and protects not only the Monarch but all pollinator populations.