The Monarch Butterfly is the most recognizable butterfly of the United States.  With its bright orange wings striped in black and two rows of vibrant white dots, they are easily spotted and noticed. This miraculous winged insect makes a journey thousands of miles every year; from as far south as Mexico and Central America, all the way north into Southern Canada.  As this long journey takes tremendous amounts of energy, the butterfly must stop frequently enough to feed on nectar and lay eggs to continue its legacy.  Because this journey is so exhausting, it is important for towns and communities to make sure they are doing their part to give areas of respite and sanctuary to these marvelous wonders. 

Here in Mount Prospect, Illinois, we are doing our part.  Over the past years we have incorporated five major butterfly gardens within our Village’s borders that are located on Village property.  These locations (listed below) have a vast number of plants to attract butterflies and provide them with food for the journey, as well as feeder plants for laying eggs.  These Waystations are part of our Village’s effort to try and stem the decline of the Monarch Butterfly.  Please click on the links below to learn about ways that you can help keep the Monarch Butterfly’s legacy from disappearing… And, perhaps visit a few locations of our gardens.

https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Monarch-Butterfly

Monarch Watch - Butterfly Gardening:
 https://www.monarchwatch.org/garden/plant-lists.html

USDA – Monarch Butterfly in North America: 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/index.shtml

IDNR – Butterfly Garden Requirements and Plant List:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/plantlists/plantlistbutterfly.html

This Old House – How to Plant a Butterfly Garden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXDpZvdBqNY