Monarch Butterflies Will Fly Over MD, Educational Events Planned

MARYLAND — Known for their striking orange and black wings, monarch butterflies are a Maryland staple. They are set to leave the state this fall, however, starting their winter migration.

These insects that weigh less than a paper clip can fly 3,000 miles. Some travel as far south as Florida or even Mexico.

The monarchs will leave Maryland in September and October. A few educational opportunities are on tap to celebrate and teach residents about these creatures.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Monarch Tagging at Pickering Creek Audubon

There will be two dates in September to join in monarch tagging with Pickering Creek naturalists. Witness the incredible migration of the monarch while exploring the trails on the 410-acre wildlife sanctuary. Participate in the University of Kansas’s widespread Monarch Watch tagging program and learn how to protect [the] monarch habitat in your backyard or community. $5 per person. Sept. 22 and 30, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Pickering Creek Audubon, Easton, MD. More information and registration."

"Citizen Scientists! Help Solve a Monarch Mystery

We all know that monarchs need milkweed and an abundance of nectar plants. But Humane Gardener, Nancy Lawson, came upon a monarch fixated on eating the dead leaves of her boneset plant. This discovery led her down a scientific rabbit hole involving scientists in three countries, and the creation of a citizen science project to gather more information on the phenomenon of monarchs gathering pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) for reasons other than nutrition ... And that’s where you come in. The Monarch Rx community science project aims to capture as much information as possible about monarchs and PAs: when and where monarchs are seen gathering PAs from leaves, what plants they are using, weather conditions, and more. Read more about Nancy Lawson’s discovery."

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