Delaware Nature Society Program Guide and Newsletter March - July 2018 | Page 6

Guardian Events Monarch Highway Habitat Project Save the Date for these exclusive Delaware Nature Society Guardian Events Throughout the year, we will be hosting special events and outings for Delaware Nature Society Guardians – members and donors who contribute $1,000 and above annually. Be sure to mark your calendar and watch for your email invitation to these exclusive gatherings! The National Wildlife Federation, along with its regional offices, state affiliates, and other organizations, are issuing a call to action for the increased support on monarch habitat along migratory flyways. In January 2017, Abbott’s Mill National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Habitat Stewards hosted monarch butterfly enthusiast Mike McFarlin to present his experience identifying, collecting, and raising monarch caterpillars in Sussex County, Delaware. Nationwide the data details a sharp population decline of the monarch butterfly, which has been confirmed in local observations by Habitat Stewards. Evidence for the decline are varied, but the limited availability of the host plant, milkweeds (Asclepias species), seems to affect our local and migrating monarch butterfly populations. Mr. McFarlin suggested that a bounty of native Common (A. syriaca) and Swamp (A. incarnate) Milkweed exists along our state managed roadsides and a summer mowing schedule eliminates these important habitat plants. The collective enthusiasm of Habitat Stewards for supporting pollinator and butterfly habitat generated an idea: The Monarch Highway Habitat Project. Habitat Stewarts approached Sussex County DelDOT and requested modification of current mowing practices to focus on protecting the naturally abundant milkweed growth on roadside right-of-ways. In spring 2017, in cooperation with DelDOT, and avoiding major highways, Habitat Stewards identified and adopted six habitat plots; four were marked with DelDOT “No Mow” signs and sanctioned “Monarch/Pollinator” signs. Safety for volunteers and driving visibility was a priority when considering plot sites. Supporting the DelDOT “Highway Beautification Program” and the Delaware State Pollinator Plan, Stewards maintained the positive appearance of their plot by picking up litter and trimming roadside growth, and began to collect butterfly and pollinator data. Initial data was recorded for milkweed density, blooming flowers, monarch butterfly and caterpillar populations, as well as, other insect activity. Mike McFarlin and our Certified Wildlife Habitat Steward pilot Monarch Highway Habitat Project have received positive attention from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Delaware Department of Agriculture (Pollinator Map), local Delaware legislators, and Delaware drivers. In 2018, we look forward to expanding public awareness of highway beautification to include creating habitat to support pollinators and monarch butterflies. TUE, MAR 6 ~ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW Private Behind the Scenes Tour 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, van leaves from Ashland Nature Center View the exhibition with an expert guide in the early morning, before it opens to the public. Transportation provided. Space limited. SAT, APR 21 ~ ANNUAL MEETING & VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION All members welcome. See DelNature.org/AnnualMeeting for details. MAY 3 ~ NATIVE PLANT SALE PREVIEW WINE AND CHEESE 5 pm – 7 pm, Coverdale Farm Preserve Enjoy wine and cheese as you shop the Native Plant Sale. Experts will be on hand to offer advice on our selection of bird-attracting natives. THU, JUN 7 ~ MONARCH LEGACY BREAKFAST 8:30 am – 10:30 am, Bucktoe Creek Preserve Monarch Legacy Society Members* are invited to enjoy a breakfast with us. FALL 2018 ~ GUARDIAN STEWARDSHIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION Date and location to come. Calling all Teachers & Scout Leaders Plan nature science programs with us this winter & spring Hands-on • Inquiry-based Age-appropriate • STEM aligned Common Core State Standards Science • Agriculture • History FIELD TRIPS Bring your class or group to one of our 4 sites. OUTREACH Bring nature discovery to your meeting space or school classroom. OVERNIGHT Create a meaningful experience your group will always remember. To learn more Scouts & groups 302.239.2334 x113 [email protected] Teachers 302.239.2334 x133 [email protected] To learn more about these Guardian events, contact Joanne McGeoch, Deputy Executive Director, 302.239.2334 ext. 103 or [email protected]. *Monarch Legacy Society Members have made a planned gift to support the future of Delaware Nature Society. Tree Swallows by Ian Stewart 6 NATURE EXPLORER March – July 2017 Delaware Nature Society 7