Monarch Nursery

Goal:

Milkweed for egg-laying and larvae-feeding, and asters and goldenrod plants for late fall feeding of adult butterflies, were planted in this area. Over 200 milkweed plants, comprised of several native species, are growing. This garden houses approximately half of the 400+ milkweed plants on the property to help the monarch, a species at risk.

Maintenance:

• • Weed unwanted species to maximize milkweed growth
  • Snip all Goutweed any time it is noticed and return weekly to re-snip if found (do not dig out)
  • Collect seeds from pods when ready to harvest in the fall
  • Remove unwanted dried stems in the spring
  • Trim plants that hang over cement ledge where students sit or walk by
  • When transplanting, clean the ledge and surrounding area
  • Write yearly updates to the Theatre Dept Chairperson (they permitted the establishment of the garden)
  • Weekly check for any garbage or damage

Interesting Notes:

A Girl Guides group came in 2016 and donated 150 milkweed plants that they grew and planted on this spot. The first wild monarchs seen laying eggs in this area was in 2018.