MIGHTY MONARCHS TASK FORCE

The Mighty Monarchs Conservation Group is an energetic organization committed to supporting the repopulation of the Monarch Butterfly and protecting its native environment. We came together in early Spring 2023 after attending an informative lecture on the monarch and pollinators in North Idaho. A common interest in this majestic butterfly was discovered and The Mighty Monarchs was formed! We began working together to plant Milkweed Waystations and share our passion with others.

OUR TEAM

Fall 2023 Monarch Waystation planting day at Pine Street Woods, Dover, Idaho.

The Mighty Monarchs area of focus is North Idaho and our primary goals are to interact with and educate the public about the plight of the Western Monarch and its habitat, to encourage the local community and individual homeowners to plant milkweed, and commit to being pesticide free. We are actively encouraging residents, businesses, and other organizations to plant Monarch Waystations in Bonner County. The Mighty Monarchs continue to build relationships in our community to help protect and promote North Idaho’s native plants and pollinators.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was adopted as Idaho’s official state insect in 1992. Boise’s Cole Elementary’s 4th grade students and teacher at the time were the driving force for this designation. The beauty and poetic motion of the monarch is deserving of such an honor!

SHOWY MILKWEED

A Showy Milkweed bloom from The Mighty Monarch’s project: Sandpoint Library Monarch Waystation, Summer 2023

According to the National Wildlife Federation, the Monarch Butterfly is one of several insects that migrate hundreds to thousands of miles as the seasons change. Its annual migration is between 1,200 and 2,800 miles between the United States and Canada to the California coast, Baja Mexico, and the central Mexico forests. No genetic difference exists between the Western and Eastern Monarch except for their migratory patterns. The Western Monarch will overwinter along the California coast or make its way down to Baja California, i.e., northern Mexico, for the winter months. The monarch’s incredible radar system along with air currents make this epic journey possible. However, changes in our weather, destruction of Milkweed and pesticide use, along w/ other man made and natural phenomena, have created significant challenges to the monarch’s migratory path and overall survival.

The Mighty Monarchs continue to grow in numbers as we engage with the community. We invite you to join our efforts in preservation of both the monarch and milkweed. Become part of this positive movement by planting milkweed and other native pollinators, maintaining a pesticide free environment, and sharing your interest in this captivating butterfly with family, friends, and neighbors.

Consider signing up for our semi-annual newsletter and access educational and milkweed resources at TheMightyMonarchs@gmail.com Monetary donations are also appreciated and are tax deductible through WingsRising, Inc. 501c3 status.