For Our Home
It is no secret that the colonial worldview was characterized by both ethnocentrism and anthropocentrism. This perspective posited that all other entities—whether human life, wildlife, or natural resources—were exclusively for colonial use, overlooking their intrinsic value and deeming them expendable.
This led to devastating consequences for First Nations People, including linguistic and cultural erosion, and loss of life. Similarly, even the smallest of creatures, like butterflies, were not spared from the effects of this anthropocentric worldview.
The Monarch Butterfly, for instance, was classified as an endangered species in July 2022 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The Xerces Society, a non-profit organization committed to the preservation of invertebrates and their habitats, reported that, "In 2020, volunteers counted fewer than 2,000 monarchs, a number that represents less than 0.01% of their historical population size.”
Monarch butterflies have a unique relationship with milkweed plants, laying their eggs exclusively on them. Native Milkweed provides essential nourishment and protection for their caterpillars, guarding them against parasites. As adult Monarchs migrate through Canada, the United States, and Mexico, consider planting these native flowers and shrubs to provide nectar and support these beautiful creatures during their arduous journey.
Please see the links below
Spring to Fall
Spring to Summer
Spring
Special thanks to the Xerces Society for teaching us about nectar plants and Monarch Butterflies.
Xerces Society: Monarch Nectar Plants California
You may also be interested in River Connections-Flowing Rivers and Monarch Migration.
River Connections-Flowing Rivers and Monarch Migration is a collaborative project, published under the auspices of Environment for the Americas. The credit for this work goes to two talented interns, Suzanne El-Haj and Antonio Ruvalcaba. Suzanne, a first-generation Argentinian-Palestinian student, and Antonio Ruvalcaba, a first-generation Mexican-American from the Central Valley of California, have brought their unique perspectives and dedication to this project.