Join Monarch Watch: monarchwatch.org

Most of us are aware of the diminishing numbers of Monarchs, and Honey Bee losses. If one wants to try to make a difference, even in a small way, it is possible.

Earlier in my career I started a company called Florabunda. We specialized in balcony and terrace gardens. Even with a small space one could attract pollinators, just by planting with them in mind. A backyard, so much the better. You need just 10 butterfly-friendly plants to become a Monarch way station.

Lists of pollinator plants are of course, region specific. At Black Barn Apiary, located in southeast Wisconsin, we encourage various types of milkweed, native yarrow, serviceberry, wild white indigo, to name just a few.

If you have a garden or land you are developing perhaps you will find the following organizations helpful on your quest, all are well known sources

Wild Ones is a national organization with many regional branches. They are extremely knowledgeable and can give you insight as to what is available locally or who to contact in your specific area.  wildones.org

Prairie Nursery  prairienursery.com  sells seeds and plants with specific mixes for pollinators, as does Prairie Moon Nursery.  prairiemoon.com

The Xerces Society is another wonderful source of information, also providing plant lists for each area of the country. xerces.org