The Monarch Project of Cape Cod

YOU can help save this magnificent creature

Article | Arts & Living | March 31, 2014 - 7:45am | By Paul Rifkin

 

 

 

YOU can save the Monarchs

Free Milkweed Seed to save the Monarch Butterfly

We will be distributing milkweed seed for free every Saturday thru May 24, 10 AM- 2PM at the Waquoit Congregational Church's Farmer's Market, 15 Parsons Lane, East Falmouth.

 

The magnificent migration of the Monarch butterfly, and indeed the survival of this iconic species, is in jeopardy.

The Monarch butterfly depends on the existence of the milkweed plant, which is the Monarch caterpillar's only food source. For a variety of reasons, the milkweed plant is vanishing across America, which threatens the Monarch's survival.

In conjunction with other similar efforts, the Monarch Project of Cape Cod will provide and help distribute milkweed seeds across this region to help rejuvenate the Monarch's migration.

 

Why Milkweed pods?

For starters, the larvae (caterpillars) of monarch butterflies eat ONLY milkweed, this is why the monarch butterfly is dubbed the ‘milkweed butterfly’. The larvae stage is the only stage of the monarch butterfly that feeds on milkweed; there is something in milkweed that allows the caterpillar to grow and keep all of the vitamins needed to transform into a beautiful butterfly.

How you can get involved:

 

Come to the Farmer's Market at the Waquoit Church and receive free milkweed seeds and growing instructions. If you cannot make it to a Farmer's Market, call me at 508-737-9545 and we will figure out other ways for you to get seeds.

1. Spread the word about the project to friends, children, garden clubs, faith-based groups, schools, etc.
2. Let us know if you know of open fields or meadows where you might get permission to spread seeds.
3. Donate money so that we can continue to purchase seeds to give away. Make check out to Waquoit Congregational Church (please write "Monarch Project" in the subject line.) Bring it to the Farmer's Market or postal mail it to Waquoit Congregational Church, 15 Parsons Lane, East Falmouth, MA 02536.

For further information, please contact: 508-548-5269 or waquoitucc@comcast.net or paulrifkin@comcast.net 508-737-9545




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