Help a Palos Park Teenager Save the Monarch Butterfly!

Update on 07/19/2018: This event, which was previously scheduled to take place at the Kaptur Center, has been moved to the Village of Palos Park's Recreation Center in order to accommodate the large number of registered participants. Event time and date will remain the same.

PALOS PARK, IL — Monarch butterflies, the state insect of Illinois, are currently on a downward spiral towards extinction. Unfortunately, farmers’ increased use of pesticides throughout the American Midwest has been extremely harmful to the species, as well as the milkweed plant, which is the only food source for the butterflies. In the past twenty years, monarch population has decreased by 95%. In the next twenty, they could be gone forever. That’s why Peter Gordan, a resident of Palos Park and junior at Stagg High School, founded Homes4Monarchs.

The organization’s mission is to distribute packets of milkweed seeds, free of charge, to local residents, businesses, and public institutions. In the past two years, Homes4Monarchs has distributed more than 5,700 packets. This year alone, their goal is to distribute more than 10,000. Every single milkweed packet planted has a huge impact on creating a positive future for the beautiful species.

Given the amount of time it takes to prepare the seed packets, it would be impossible for Peter to package all 10,000+ of them alone. Homes4Monarchs will be hosting a free educational and volunteer event on Tuesday, July 31st, from 1-3PM at the Palos Park Recreation Center. Participants of all ages are welcome, and refreshments will be provided. You can RSVP for the event by email or phone at (708) 671-0506.