Queens of Phoenix
Monarch Conservation in the City
By Lauren Bender
This time of year, the beautifully vibrant orange, white and black monarch butterflies completed their long journey to central Mexico, where they enjoy the climate and remain safe from the harsh Northern winters. These delicate yet powerful insects complete migration patterns of up to 3,000 miles and are a symbol for perseverance and determination.
Monarch butterflies are an inspiration for art in many cultures such as Native American and Mexican cultures. The Heard Museum located in Phoenix, Arizona exhibits Native American art and describes Kachina dolls as carved figures that are ceremonially gifted to young girls by the Katsinam. Monarch butterflies are hand painted on these elegant figures.
Since Mexico is the safe haven for monarchs during the winter, make a big impact on Mexican culture and traditions. They serve as a symbol of connection of the living to the dead, as they are believed to be the souls of ancestors. They are a major theme in Día de los Muertos.
Photo by Latin Bay Area
Photo by Latin Bay Area
Cuban Conceptual Artist Reynier Leyva Novo’s art piece, “Methuselah,” is located at the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona and virtually showcases the migration journey of a monarch butterfly. This work of art can also be viewed through the museum's website if you are unable to make a trip to the museum.
As pollinators, monarchs are a vital contribution to the ecosystem. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “more than 80% of the world’s flowering plants need a pollinator to reproduce.” Other pollinators include: bees, birds, beetles, bats, flies, wasps and moths, just to name a few. Many of the factors that affect the population of monarchs affect these animals as well, which will later be explained by Kim Pegram.
National Geographic states that monarch butterflies have declined by over 99% since the 1980’s. The loss of these insects is largely due to loss of habitat. In 2016, the Desert Botanical Garden located in Phoenix, Arizona started the Great Milkweed Grow Out, an initiative to bring back the habitat that is essential for these butterflies. The program encourages residents of the city to plant their own butterfly gardens in order to provide habitat and replace the essential greenery that was destroyed.
Plant and Insect Ecology Program Manager Natalie Melkonoff explains the background of this initiative and the reasons behind it's creation.
Video by Lauren Bender
Video by Lauren Bender
Milkweed is essential for the survival of monarchs as this is where the butterflies lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, milkweed is all the caterpillar will eat until it is ready to make its transformation through its chrysalis, where the brain, heart and digestive tract change in shape in size and the animal is completely reconstructed. You can purchase milkweed seeds on the Desert Botanical Garden website.
Melkonoff goes on to explain various parts of the Milkweed Grow Out as well as its goals for the future of monarchs.
Video by Lauren Bender
Video by Lauren Bender
"Monarch butterflies have declined by over 99% since the 1980’s."
Program Director of Pollinator Conservation and Research Kim Pegram at Desert Botanical Garden elaborates on the current population status of monarch butterflies, as well as the efforts being made by communities in Phoenix:
Video by Lauren Bender
Video by Lauren Bender
You can learn more about the Great Milkweed Grow Out Initiative and how to get involved on their website.
Photo by Lauren Bender
Photo by Lauren Bender
Photo by Lauren Bender
Photo by Lauren Bender
Photo by Lauren Bender
Photo by Lauren Bender
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