Fall Monarch Migration

Fall migration for Monarch butterflies is in full swing! Typically fall migration goes from September to October. Monarchs are the only insect that migrate up to 3,000 miles to find warmer weather. Unlike other insects, monarchs cannot survive the cold winter. The monarchs that are located west of the Rocky Mountains fly to the California Read More »

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 1: To make the yellow Read More »

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 during the winter, and then Read More »

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: If your piece of paper Read More »

Read More

How to tell apart four orange and black butterflies

four butterflies and their wingspans

An orange and black butterfly flits by. Many people immediately think “monarch,” but there are actually quite a number of orange and black butterflies in Iowa and throughout the United States. Three butterflies in the Iowa Great Lakes area that often get confused with the monarch butterfly are the painted lady, viceroy and red admiral. Read More »

Read More

8 Insects You Should Love

    Up-and-coming invasive species Environmentalists have been watching and waiting as new invasive species begin to take hold and move across the country and across Iowa. Jumping worms, the brown marmorated stink bug, the gypsy moth and the spotted lanternfly. Let’s take a look at a few of these up-and-coming invasives. Jumping worms Most Read More »

Read More