Monarch butterfly populations are plummeting. Build a better garden with a Wildscape certification to aid conservation.
Throughout the month of October, it is impossible to miss the mass migration of monarch butterflies in the Coastal Bend. The region plays an important role in the monarch’s southbound trek.
“Butterflies come right through our region on their way to Mexico,” explained Michael Womack, executive director and horticulturist at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. “We have moisture as well as nectar plants for them to feed along their trip. In the spring, when they head back north, we’re a critical spot because they lay eggs in the milkweed here.”
Yet, the butterflies are in danger. Monarch migration holds a “threatened” status with the World Wildlife Fund and is moving fast toward an “endangered” status. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 970 million monarch butterflies have vanished since 1990 — that’s approximately 90 percent of the species’ population.
One cause of this phenomenon, a disease called OE, is rampant in parts of the country, primarily Florida, and infects and stunts the growth of caterpillars. Droughts and overwintering also play a factor. The central causes, though, are by humans: Womack cites the overuse of herbicides, pesticides and rapid urbanization.
“Man is pushing out different elements without realizing it for the sake of progress,” he said. “Things that are easier for us, we don’t think about the long-term impacts.”
Focusing on conservation is crucial at this point. Monarch butterflies have suffered greatly from garden chemicals, which weaken or kill caterpillars and adult butterflies. It’s not just butterflies, either: Bees, birds and other wildlife are also impacted.
“As a whole, everyone should use fewer pesticides, save energy, recycle, use less fossil fuels — things we think now as common sense — to help save energy and protect the environment,” Womack said. On an individual level, “it’s planting nectar, native milkweeds and making more natural garden spaces.”
Butterfly lovers can set up a Wildscape habitat and have it certified that it contains enough native plants and water sources for butterflies and insects.
“You can certify your yard and become a learning center for your neighborhood, park or school,” Womack continued.
To qualify, your area must provide food, shelter and water for native wildlife. Additionally, 50 percent of your landscape must have plants that are native to your region in Texas.
Texas is split up into 10 ecoregions because of its large and diverse landscape. Corpus Christi falls into Ecoregion 2: Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, which stretches along the entire coastline from Louisiana to Mexico.
The plants that thrive on the coast are marked by the ability to withstand the salty ocean waters, high winds and frequent rainfall. The TPWD lists several that are appropriate for the region: sugarberry trees, prickly-pear cactus, spiderlily wildflowers and more. Check out the full list here.
Follow these basic tips for turning your yard into a wildlife-friendly habitat:
- Always choose native plants to grow in your yard. Just because something grows well does not mean it’s native. Native plants must occupy at least 50 percent of your Wildscape for certification.
- For a thriving butterfly garden, plant native milkweed. Butterflies are very specific in what they lay their eggs on, and Monarchs have to eat milkweed to mature.
- Have plants and feeders that provide food year-round. Keep a fresh water source as well; a fountain or birdbath will do the trick.
- Planting grass? Choose buffalograss, which is native to Texas and only needs to be watered once a month compared to thirsty types such as Bermuda or St. Augustine, which need to be watered at least once a week.
- Speaking of grass that doesn’t require a lot of water, this is a rule that applies to plants across the board in xeriscaping, a landscaping technique that conserves water. This will also save you money and reduce maintenance in the long term.
- Conservation is key. Compost yard and food waste, collect rainwater, don’t use chemicals or pesticides, and be organic in every way possible.
To apply, fill out the Texas Wildscapes Backyard Habitat Application and mail it, along with the $15 certification fee, to the TPWD headquarters in Austin.
Womack is optimistic about conservation on an individual level: “Every person can make a difference in their yard,” he said. “It starts with one person doing their part. It all makes a differ
