Date: 05/18/2012

Number: 1

We implemented a Monarch Butterfly Habitat on 1/2 acre of city land in Shell Lake, in 2008. Five years later, after a good rainy season in 2011, the habitat has hundreds of common milkweed plants. There are hundreds of monarch eggs on milkweed (5/28). Last week (5/21)we started to see tiny emerged caterpillars. We will mark plants this week with tags attached to plant stakes. We purchased a Journey North butterfly house to monitor the life cycle of at least a few monarchs through their life cycle. Otherwise, we are educating the public when they come to visit the outdoor classroom.

Washburn County was spared being sprayed by low flying planes. The gypsy moth is moving north. Surrounding counties are being sprayed. I am grateful that the rebounding monarchs at the habitat will be spared. After a 10 year decline in population, there appears to be a rebounding monarch population across the USA - east of the Rockies.

Shell Lake, WI

Latitude: 45.7 Longitude: -92

Observed by: Mary Ellen
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