And Lily will probably live much longer with your friend than she would out on her own.

I just read something from Chip Taylor (head or founder of Monarch Watch) in which he mentioned that Mexico is doing a better job of protecting the overwintering grounds. Not perfect but better. The main problem has been weather down there, and the use of genetically modified crops, use of round-up and other persticides, the decrease of hedgerows and the loss of conservation land for the production of corn to make ethanol. The loss of Monarchs is at the nexus of so many human activites. In the article I am thinking of, he mentions a class he teaches about 2040, and Monarchs are not even part of it. It just seems to be bad news all round. He is calling for what we are doing here--turning private yards into habitats. That's about all that can be done now. There was also a recent study that is trying to narrow down the places where the northward migrating Monarchs reproduce-that can help focus the restoration efforts. Fingers crossed! I am frustrated that all of the different organizations--North AMerican Butterfly Association, Monarch Watch, Wild Ones, PANNA, Xerces Society, can't seem to effect any kind of legislation (which is what we need) to ensure that practices are changed to ensure the survival of Monarchs and other animals and ultimately us. I don't know if they are trying or not, but I think it's the only way to go. People/businesses won't change their ways voluntarily--maybe they would--who knows, but it seems that usually groups need a little "encouragement" to change. It would create controversy, but that would also help to bring the plight of Monarchs and other animals to the general public's attention. I think that's what I'll be trying to find out in the next couple of days--are these organizations doing anything "big picture" to change the destructive practices. Landscapers, farmers, agro-business, highway departments, park distrcits, all need to know how much their activities and decisions factor in the destruction of so much life. I realize I am speaking so broadly here--but the problem is so multi-faceted, and we do things without ever really knowing the consequences (like with pesticides). Think we are heading toward another silent spring, summer, fall and winter eventually. But I carry on with my gardens and with spreading the word, and helping out with public ones and talking about butterflies in the hopes that maybe that will little bit will help out some. If others can, think about putting a garden in at a school, library, park, get it certified with Monarch Watch or NABA, get those signs up; write letters to your local papers talking about the decline of all butterflies, but especially Monarchs; talk about what they need. Think about giving butterfly presentations if you feel up to it. Anyway, so grateful for all of you out there who are reading this and helping out the butterflies in any way you can. Hugs!

Beautiful photos Minrose. I don't remember if you've posted pics of your grow op yet, but I'd love to see some. Hope you have good weather and lots of fun at the festival - and see LOTS of Monarchs! I'm down to my last 7 cats eating. I am kinda sad to see it coming to an end too. But there will be lots of eclosures over the next couple weeks - with at least a dozen emerging today. :)

Update on 3 of my chrysalises! 3 eclosed yesterday after approx 4 weeks - amazing experience and so beautiful! Sad news though that one fell from the spot it was holding onto (it was a little windy) right after eclosing. It was crawling in the soil so I put a stick down and it climbed up and I hung it from a nearby plant with a clothespin. The wings plumped up for awhile but never fully finished. I found it this morning dead. So very sad that it made it thru almost to the end to die. Butterfly raising, although so exciting, can be stressful. I understand why people raise them indoors and then release them!