Tennessee authorities want to save Monarch butterflies from extinction. Here's how to help
Monarch butterfly numbers are dwindling and have been for decades.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the pollinator's population and sole source of food and habitat, milkweed, have declined by 90% since 1992.
In June 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announced the monarch butterfly had joined the Red List of Threatened Species as Endangered, marking the first time it had officially been declared at risk of extinction, according to a report from the Monarch Joint Venture, a multi-agency partnership focused on protecting the monarch migration across the United States.
But TDOT’s Project Milkweed wants to change that.
Project Milkweed
The department’s 2024 Milkweed Giveaway kicked off during National Pollinator Week in June.
An overwhelming response led to the distribution of 780,000 milkweed seed packets in 2023, an effort that sought to restore landscapes and preserve habitats for pollinator species.
However, less than half that amount, 350,000 seed packets, were available for giveaway this year.
“We think the 350,000 number is a sustainable target that allows us to balance budget with demand from the public,” TDOT Local Programs & Community Investments Division Transportation Manager Mike McClanahan said, noting that the agency anticipates it remaining close to 350,000 over the next few years.
Tennessee residents will be able to choose Red Milkweed - a native perennial found in swamps, river bottomlands and wet meadows - and Common Milkweed - another native perennial found in fields, open woods and roadsides, though less than 100,000 seed packets remain for each variety.
More than 32,000 orders have already claimed nearly half the seeds, McClanahan said.
Orders can be placed for up to three seed packets of each of variety at tnpollinators.org/milkweed, and each seed packet contains about 20 seeds.
One order is allowed per person or household and shipping is restricted to addresses in Tennessee.
Tips on milkweed handling, care
Since the winter cold is vital for the successful germination of milkweed seeds, environmentamerica.org recommends planting in October or November.
If you’ve never handled milkweed before, there’s a few things you should know about the native wildflower monarch caterpillars exclusively feed on.
Milkweed contains toxins harmful to animals, though they typically won’t consume it because it tastes bad.
If Red and Common Milkweed are ingested, the effects generally aren’t severe unless consumed in large quantities, TDOT says, as both varieties register in the “low to medium” toxicity level.
But even low levels of exposure can cause potential health issues in pets and livestock.
Because of this, the department encourages everyone to handle the plant carefully by using gloves, washing their hands and educating children about its toxicity.
Anyone concerned about exposure should consult a veterinarian or medical professional promptly.
How else can you help pollinators?
Milkweed is a beneficial native wildflower in the Volunteer State, TDOT says.
But factors such as habitat loss due to land development and widespread use of herbicides and pesticides continue to negatively impact the plant.
To attract and support pollinators locally, TDOT encourages everyone to:
Plant a mixture of native plants.
Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides.
Plant milkweed to support monarch butterflies.
Provide clean water sources.
For more information on planting, maintenance and additional resources, visit tnpollinators.org/milkweed/.
Katie Nixon can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee wants residents to plant milkweed, save Monarch butterflies
