16 | OHCC LIVING | JUNE 2022 |
Save The
Monarch
Butterfly
April was an exciting month at the Butterfly Sanctuary. 60 caterpillars appeared in
the garden, and more and more residents went to the site to experience this process.
We had our first female Monarch come out of chrysalis. We named her "Eve." As soon
as she flew off to do her part in the cycle, six more chrysalises were found.
We were delighted and grateful to receive approval from the Master Board to install
the fence. This will greatly improve productivity because the fencing will prevent
geckos, baby rattlesnakes and other predators from eating the caterpillars. It also
enables us to plant protective foliage under which the caterpillars will hide and form
their chrysalises.
We also met with the Community Image and Marketing Committee who approved
our plan, and we look forward to working with them in the future on the state of the
garden.
While waiting for the fence, our volunteers are planting interior foliage and flowers
to attract other species of butterflies, as well as hummingbirds and bees. It's truly
becoming a "garden."
Many residents are having success with their backyard milkweed gardens as well.
For first timers, there are often many questions, so the Board of Directors is now
planning our first membership meeting July 20, at which home gardeners can get
questions answered and share their expertise. More information on this event will be
distributed soon.
Eve
