Buy a Monarch a Meal with Your Time on Sunday

Professional restoration efforts on the 11-acre Monarch Habitat Preserve on the County Grounds have progressed to the point that lovers of the area are invited to join in and dig in by planting a new crop of native wildflowers to feed the butterflies.

Biologists from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and knowledgeable volunteers from the Friends of the Monarch Trail have overseen work to remove invasive species from the tract, and professional seeding is ready to begin.

But to jump-start the newly cleared meadows and woods, the Friends will be planting 400 year-old "plugs" from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, and all are welcome to assist.

Between the needed invasives control work and construction that has been ongoing since the creation of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District detention basins, there is little left in the way of milkweed or nectar plants in the area that would that would draw monarchs and other wildlife, said Barb Agnew, founder of the Friends group.

"We have a little of everything," Agnew said, "and it's all needed to keep this area attractive to them. We want to bring 'em back and keep 'em here." 

The Habitat Preserve surrounds the Eschweiler Campus on the north and west.  Volunteers may enter off Swan Boulevard north of Watertown Plank Road, but are urged to use extreme caution because the entrance comes up abruptly.

Please note that the access road can be reached only from northbound Swan Boulevard, as it is a divided highway with no crossover lanes. The Friends will place large, colorful flags at the entrance.

Construction in the area makes things complicated, so please be aware of road conditions. Parking is in the lot north of the buildings.

The Friends will provide cold water, soda and snacks. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, trowels, sun screen, etc., and to wear appropriate gardening clothing.

Volunteers are also asked to RSVP to countygroundsmonarchtrail@gmail.com if possible, if you are planning to attend. Volunteering does not commit anyone to three hours work – even half an hour will help get the job done.

"The monarchs thank you!" Agnew said.