Helping pollinators, like the monarch butterfly, by restoring their habitat is easier than ever, thanks to Indian Creek Nature Center volunteers who organize a native plant giveaway at Monarch Fest.
“I believe in the benefit of growing native plants to support the wildlife of our area, and monarch butterflies in particular. I want to help people develop their own native pollinator gardens,” says Roberta Lympus, a member of the Monarch Fest Committee who grows pollinator-friendly plants so she can give the plants away for free.
Roberta knows that habitat destruction is the greatest threat to butterflies, bees, and other native pollinators, and that more habitat can be created by homeowners planting mini prairies (also known as pollinator gardens) in their yards.
“Finding native plants to purchase locally is difficult, and if you order from nurseries, the cost is around $7.00 for each plant. I want to make it easier for people to start a pollinator garden,” says Roberta.
“Native plants are amazing! They are beautiful, take less maintenance and support pollinators. We all know pollinators are in decline. One of the most important actions we all can do is create native habitat. From large prairie plantings to small container gardens, it can make a difference,” says Cammie Machholz, who also volunteers her time to gather native plants for the giveaway and shares Roberta’s passion for rebuilding Iowa’s pollinator habitat.
Cammie and Roberta are happy to do the year-round planning and work it takes to make the giveaway happen. Cammie shares, “Planning for the plant giveaway begins the year before. I save seeds from my existing native plants as they become ripe throughout the summer and fall. These seeds are sown in fall or winter. I also dig plants and seedlings from my gardens to pot up and share.”
“I enjoy the challenge of planting the seeds, and potting the plants, and the satisfaction seen on people’s faces as they select their plants. It is doubly rewarding when they return the following year with reports of their garden successes,” says Roberta.
Both will be providing pollinator-friendly plants for the giveaway at Monarch Fest. Any guests who come during the festival can visit the workshop (east of Amazing Space) and pick out as many plants as they need to create or enhance their pollinator garden.
There will be dozens of native plant varieties available to choose from that are valuable to monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Each plant has been researched by Roberta and added to a Pollinator Plant Care Guide that can help you know which plants are likely to thrive in your yard.
It’s critical that homeowners take action to rebuild Iowa’s pollinator habitat, but Roberta reminds us how important it is to include the next generation. “I think education is crucial to raise the awareness of people to the effect that our practices have on the environment. Children are key to the future. When a child witnesses a caterpillar make a chrysalis and emerge as a butterfly, they are filled with wonder. Planting seeds and taking care of plants help children realize how important they are in preserving the environment,” says Roberta.
Monarch Fest is a fun way to introduce children to the importance of pollinators. Through engaging activities like butterfly releases, pollinator-themed crafts, and making milkweed seed balls, children discover the wonder of butterflies and begin their journey to becoming Champions of Nature — just like the homeowners who create pollinator habitat in their yards.
Cammie says there is a lot we all can do to help, “Besides creating habitat, you can spread the word. Encourage others to choose native plants that benefit pollinators.”
“Native plants are important because they support the wildlife native to our area,” says Roberta, “It is up to us to do what we can to increase habitat.”