Tag: milkweed

While many people don’t like insects that sting, bumblebees play a vital role to our environment. Director of Programming Amy shares why bumblebees aren’t just important pollinators, they’re adaptable.

The monarch butterfly is one of the most easily recognized butterflies in North America. Think you know everything there is to know about these winged wonders? Think again! Nature Interpreter Lisa shares facts you didn’t know just in time for the monarch migration.

Planning your summer garden? Consider incorporating some native plants this year! As we wrap up Ohio Native Plant Month, we encourage you to plant these native plants in your garden. You’ll not only help our ecosystem by adding native plants, you’ll also create homes for local pollinators.

Join us on our Facebook page Mondays through Fridays at 10 a.m. for a live video with Great Parks staff. Nature Interpreter Lisa is searching for monarch caterpillars at Francis RecreAcres. You’ll also learn more about the monarch caterpillars and monarch butterflies that Lisa is hand-raising.

The milkweed is blooming, the milkweed is blooming! Why all of the excitement? Common milkweed is a favorite plant for more than 450 species of aphids, bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies, moths and more. Whether these insects are using it as a nursery for their larvae to munch on once hatched or sipping nectar from the […]

Few insects lift our spirits more than the charismatic monarch butterfly. But why? Maybe it’s their stunning color contrast against the backdrop of a blue sky. Or maybe it’s our appreciation for the massive struggle they face to carry on their species. Adult butterflies emerging at this point in the season are biologically different than […]

Over the past few years, the Great Parks Stewardship department has been aware of declining monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) sightings. The department has since taken steps to help promote and protect their habitat. In the fall, monarch butterflies from our region start their migration to Mexico for the winter. When winter is over, they will […]