Arizona Milkweeds for Monarchs

Who we are:

Milkweeds for Monarchs is a self-organized pilot project based in Flagstaff, Arizona working to restore declining monarch populations. Through your help, our team can continue to create local pollinator gardens and monarch waystations while pursuing critical research to conserve this periled species.

 

Why should you care:

Monarchs not only pollinate milkweed, but a multitude of several plant species! Due to habitat loss and climate change, the monarch population has declined by 90% since the 1990s. Maintaining monarch populations and habitat is essential for the food web that sustains plants, animals, and us! 

 

Monarchs and milkweed:

Monarchs and milkweed have a unique mutualistic relationship that can be recognized across the U.S.. Adult monarchs will visit several milkweeds and assist with pollination, leading to the plant's success. In return, monarch caterpillars will consume the milkweed leaves and the milkweed's toxic “milk” allows the larvae to become toxic to its predators. Milkweed is the monarch's sole host plant, meaning that it is the only plant monarchs will lay their eggs on. Therefore, in order to preserve monarchs, we must also preserve milkweeds. The Desert Southwest holds 41 of the 76 milkweed species in the lower 48, making Arizona a critical habitat to conserve. 

 

Your donations will support:

Please visit our website for more information!