| OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2024 |25
They're baaack! After keeping us all in suspense through that cool, windy spring, our
beloved Monarchs returned to OHCC in increasing numbers beginning in late May. We
knew that they had had a difficult winter, with thousands of butterf lies lost to storms
in their overwintering sites, so we were relieved to see more and more butterf lies in the
Butterf ly Park. Now, entering August, they are bountiful, not just in the sanctuary but in
backyards throughout the village. Now let us hope for a nice, calm summer and lots of
reproductive activity.
The new spaces allocated to the SMB Club to create additional butterf ly habitats are
developing nicely. Club volunteers planted a mix of milkweed and nectar plants in several
areas – the garden on Aeolia, plots on either side of the gravel road at the west end of
the Park, a couple of patches on the walkway above the Park adjacent to Leisure Village
Way, and various places on the hills within the Park. As those plantings get established,
they provide welcome splashes of color; it is especially gratifying to see the Monarchs
discovering these new spaces. Thanks to our volunteer planters for helping with this work,
and to our teams of gardeners who keep all these areas looking neat and well-maintained.
Monarchs weren't the only butterf lies making their presence felt in the Park and
surrounding spaces. The Cloudless Sulphurs and Cabbage Whites have both returned,
and we had a decent showing of Swallowtails. It was exciting to see a beautiful Mourning
Cloak on our willow tree. Then the willow had another visitor which produced rows of
tiny black caterpillars. They turned out to be Lorquin's Admirals.
All this is happening as we prepare for what has been called the social event of the
season – the Butterf ly Ball on September 20th. Mark your calendars and plan to come
and support your butterf lies! The event will be bigger and better than ever, with tickets
going on sale in early August. See you then, or in the Park! Submitted by Myra Esler
Save the monarch butterfly
Lorquin's Admiral caterpillars
