Monarch butterflies are one of the most beautiful, interesting, and endangered animals in the world. They pass through our region every year, which means we have a great opportunity to help them survive by planting the native milkweed their lives depend on.

Our project has two components. First, we'll work with Bend's community gardens (there are 11) to build raised beds and plant native milkweed and other blooming plants. We'll also create signage to educate people about milkweed, monarchs, and other native pollinators. Second, we'll host a public presentation by a local monarch expert who will educate people about monarchs and explain how to plant them in our own gardens.

Interesting facts about monarchs:
• Their population has dropped 90% since the 1990s.
• They weigh about as much as a paperclip but migrate thousands of miles over several generations.
• Milkweed plantings have successfully aided monarchs in areas including Madras, Clarno (along the John Day River), Medford, Portland and between Prineville and Terrebonne.