Monarch Migration Takes Wing in Bryan-College Station!
Hey there, Bryan-College Station! Have you noticed the skies filled with beautiful orange and black butterflies lately? Yep, it’s that magical time of year again. The monarch butterfly migration has made its way back through our lovely Brazos Valley, and it’s a sight you don’t want to miss!
The Journey of a Lifetime
So, let’s talk about these incredible little travelers. According to Dr. Robert Coulson, a professor of entomology, these butterflies start their migration journey all the way from central Mexico. They spend the winter in the stunning oyamel fir forests there before heading to Texas come spring! How cool is that?
After their long winter nap, they start reproducing as they make their way north, using milkweed as their go-to spot for laying eggs. By the end of summer, their amazing journey continues south to Mexico. Dr. Coulson explains, “In the fall of the year, the initial population has reproduced four times now, and that fourth generation is what is migrating back to Texas.” Quite a family reunion, huh?
Pollinators: The Unsung Heroes
Did you know that these pretty butterflies are essential for Texas’ ecosystem? According to a study from the University of Texas at Austin, butterflies contribute about $120 million to Texas’ cotton harvest every year. Yes, you heard that right! Monarchs play a significant role in boosting our agricultural scene.
But not everything is sunshine and flowers for our fluttery friends. Dr. Coulson has found that one major threat to their existence is surprisingly close to home — road kill on Texas roadways! That’s right. These beautiful creatures often meet a tragic end on busy roads. However, it’s not all doom and gloom!
Thanks to funding from the Texas Comptroller’s Office, Dr. Coulson and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have joined forces to find solutions. “We constructed light deflectors at a couple of different locations to see if we can divert the monarchs across the roadways,” he said, hoping to save these butterflies from a disastrous fate.
A Community Effort to Save Milkweed
Another issue that’s come to light is the lack of milkweed in the Brazos Valley. This is where local hero, Ann Boehm, comes into play. A dedicated community volunteer, Ann teamed up with the Texas Master Naturalists and the city of College Station to create a butterfly garden.
There has been a notable “great chasm” in the area with no milkweed available for our butterflies, and that’s why Ann stepped up to make a difference. With some help from former parks and recreation staff, they secured a small plot of land to turn into a haven for pollinators.
“The goal was to plant all native plants to support migration and create a garden that could sustain pollinators,” Ann shared. Such a fantastic initiative done by passionate volunteers like her!
Education and Awareness: The Keys to Survival
Not just stopping at creating gardens, Ann emphasized the importance of education in protecting our pollinators. “We need to limit the use of herbicides and pesticides,” she said. Understanding proper habitats for butterflies is crucial if we want to keep seeing those gorgeous black and orange wings fluttering around.
Dr. Coulson also pointed out that monarchs could soon be considered endangered if we don’t act swiftly. “This is a significant example of how research can directly benefit an ecosystem,” he said, highlighting the collaborative efforts of TxDOT and active volunteers.
How You Can Help
You may wonder, “What can I do to help?” Well, you don’t need to be a scientist or a volunteer group member to make a difference. Creating a pollinator habitat at home can have a fantastic impact. All you need to do is plant host plants and nectar plants and be cautious with chemicals in your yard.
Let’s face it, folks: if we want to continue enjoying the bounty of nature, we need our pollinators! So, let’s get out there and make Bryan-College Station a butterfly-friendly haven. Together, we can help nurture these beautiful monarchs and ensure they continue their journey for years to come.
