Summary
Want to find out more about monarch butterflies? Check out Vaughan Public Libraries' amazing resources and programs from August to October!
Have you noticed how everything transforms the moment you step away from buildings, roads, and screens and immerse yourself in nature? Instantly, all your worries disappear, and you get an immense feeling of joy and happiness. Do you know the secret behind this? Honestly, I have thought about it and realized that it’s because nature offers us precious gifts at every turn: vibrant flowers that fill the air with sweet aromas, playful birds that create a symphony of freedom all around, majestic trees that whisper breathtaking stories of time, and so much more. How fortunate we are to have the honor of enjoying these wonders!
I would like to share the story of one remarkable gift that continues to remain a mystery for scientists: the iconic monarch butterfly. With two pairs of exquisite black-and-orange wings, these unique creatures are one of the largest butterflies in Canada, with a wingspan of about 63 to 105mm. Each butterfly weighs a mere half gram, so light that you might not even notice if it decides to rest on your arm. But what makes these delicate insects so extraordinary?
Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies travel over 4000 km from Eastern North America to spend winter in oyamel fir forests located in Mexico. The microclimate here helps them conserve energy and remain in peaceful rest. This is one of the longest and most incredible insect migrations in the world.
In the book The Amazing Monarch, author and photographer Windle Turley explores the wintering grounds of the butterflies and tracks their awe-inspiring journey. Amazingly, any one colony or roost may contain 25,000,000 monarchs or even more. Within a few days of mid-March, monarchs start their northward migration. Two to three new generations of monarchs will complete the migration north – as each new generation will lay eggs on the milkweed plants and die after three to five weeks. In fact, the butterflies we encounter in Canada in June are the great-great children of those that migrated in the fall. Scientists are still investigating how these fragile insects manage to navigate their way to and from their winter habitats. This two-way migration is definitely one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena.
Today, unfortunately, our beloved friends are facing serious threats caused by deforestation of oyamel fir trees, climate change, and the alarming disappearance of milkweed plants. If we don’t take immediate actions, they risk becoming extinct in the near future. Yes, the time to act is not tomorrow, but right now! What steps can we take to help them?
At some point in your life, you have likely received a special gift from someone dear to your heart. I’m sure you’ve placed it in a prominent and secure place. You’ve diligently researched how to treat it properly and keep it out of danger. You’ve probably invited your family and friends to admire your treasured gift, let them know how much it means to you, and asked them to handle it with the utmost care.
Similarly, the monarch is our precious gift that deserves our constant love and support. You don’t need to be an expert to create safe and welcoming spaces for them. Simply dedicating part of your yard or garden to growing milkweed can make a significant impact on their survival. This plant is essential to their existence as it hosts the eggs and provides nourishment for the newly hatched larvae. The butterflies will truly appreciate your efforts to offer food and shelter and will reward you with their graceful presence. Additionally, you can become an advocate for monarch butterflies by spreading awareness about their conservation, inviting your family and friends to create pollinator-friendly habitats.
On August 17, 2024, nature enthusiasts across Canada will come together to celebrate the iconic monarch butterfly in a nationwide event known as National Flight of the Monarch Day. What a great opportunity to join the network of communities and become part of this important movement!
To recognize this special day, Vaughan Public Libraries will offer a bilingual workshop, Flight of the Monarch / L’envol du monarque, at three of our locations. This workshop aims to inspire children to learn about the life cycle of monarch butterflies through fun activities and have discussions on how they can support our tiny friends.
From August 17 to August 31, 2024, our community members are invited to add a colourful butterfly to the vinyl milkweed mural which will be displayed at all open locations except Kleinburg Library. Following this, from September 10 to October 8, 2024, our customers are welcome to enjoy the exhibit of these wonderful murals at Civic Centre Resource Library.
How grateful we are that nature has entrusted us with the care of these magnificent creatures. Let’s express our appreciation by spreading the word, sharing our knowledge with others, contributing to conservation initiatives, reducing pesticide use, and fostering habitats. By taking practical actions today, we can ensure that future generations will also have the privilege of enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of these marvelous butterflies dancing joyfully in the sky. Together, we can make a difference and celebrate the everlasting flight of the monarch! For more amazing resources in our collection to learn about the migration, life cycle, and conservation of monarchs, check out my colleagues’ reading list HERE.