Uses of Milkweed
We are going to preface this article by saying, Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, does contain a mild poison and should only be eaten and used when properly prepared. Common milkweed is native to many areas of the midwest and it’s not surprising people found uses for it. Native Americans used Read More »
Monarch Caterpillar Craft
Since we learned about when the monarch butterflies are going to start making their way back, I thought a monarch caterpillar craft would be appropriate for this week. Let’s jump right in! Supplies: Construction Paper – Yellow, green, black Glue stick Scissors Hole Punch Googly eyes Crayons Step Read More »
When will the Monarch’s be back and laying eggs?
One of the most frequent questions we get at the Nature Center is “When will we see Monarchs again?” Today, we will answer that question in the classic nature fashion of guesstimates. When monarchs migrate to Mexico in the fall, the butterflies that make it are a super generation that Read More »
How to Grow Milkweed
If you want to learn how to grow milkweed seeds, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn how best to get your milkweed growing. Much like any other plant native to the Midwest, they go to seed in the fall, are exposed to cold and damp weather Read More »
Easy Origami Butterfly Craft
With spring around the corner, butterflies are on the brain. Here is another easy way to make a butterfly. Supplies: A square piece of paper Scissors Stapler or yarn/string I chose orange paper to make it look more like a monarch to go along with our milkweed series. Step 1: Read More »
What is Milkweed and Why is it Important?
If you talk to anyone who knows about butterflies, especially the Monarch butterfly, they will tell you to plant more milkweed. With over 100 species of milkweed in North America, it’s hard to figure out exactly which ones to plant, when to plant them and where to plant them. There’s Read More »
A Simple Butterfly
Our craft of the week is a butterfly in hopes spring will continue to warm up. This butterfly is one that caught my eye on Pinterest because it looked quite simple to make so I’m going to share how you make it. Supplies: Paper of any color you like Read More »
Earth Day 2021
The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970. After 51 years, Earth Day has become commonplace. It’s a great day to talk about nature during the school day and it’s a big day for anyone who wants to get involved in anything nature-related. As of this year, there Read More »
Prescribed Burns on the Prairie
Many people drove past the Nature Center today to find out what the big smoke cloud was. Which was understandable because it was huge! It was our guys performing a prescribed burn on a section of our prairie grass. Prescribed burns are done every 3 to 5 years but also Read More »
What makes a Species Invasive?
While we tend to focus on wildflowers, especially the early blooming ones, we should also remember what is invasive. This early in the year, many of the plants that are green would be considered invasive species. But what makes them invasive and how did they get here? We’re going to Read More »
Draw a Flower Craft
The craft for this week is relatively easy and a little educational. Our blog post earlier this week featured the parts of a flower and what they all do while also talking about the ephemeral flowers that pop up first in the spring. This craft draws on that theme as Read More »
Spring in Judd Wildlife Area
The Judd Wildlife Area is one of the many county areas the Conservation Board owns and manages. Just south of Horseshoe Bend in Milford, this tract of land varies wildly. The top part is a beautiful prairie. As you walk through the prairie towards the back of the park, you Read More »