MONARCH
INITIATIVE OF TULSA
As Oklahoma finds itself along the annual migration path of monarch butterflies, the plants we cultivate hold the power to directly impact their population. That's why The Sustainability Alliance has joined forces with the Monarch Initiative of Tulsa, dedicated to reversing the decline of these vital pollinators and empowering Oklahomans to become their protectors.
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These magnificent creatures play a crucial role in our local ecosystems, fostering the growth of plants that surround our communities and sustaining our precious food supply. Embark on an extraordinary journey to support monarch conservation by attending the Monarchs on The Mountain Festival each fall, where the captivating world of monarch butterflies and pollinators awaits.
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Monarch Media Monday
September 18th
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Planting Days
Dates TBA
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The Mission
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The Festival
We strive to equip you with valuable information that promotes the creation of habitats, paving the way for an increase in the monarch population during their migration through the Tulsa area. Together, we have the power to protect these remarkable creatures and preserve their critical role in our precious ecosystem.
Ready to unleash your inner conservationist? Take action now! Explore the following links to embark on your journey towards creating a thriving Monarch garden. Let your love for nature blossom and witness the transformative impact you can make. Additionally, we invite you to delve into our rich assortment of resources. From inspiring guides to helpful links, our collection provides a wealth of knowledge to fuel your passion and empower your commitment to monarch preservation.
The Monarchs on The Mountain festival takes place each fall during the annual migration season of monarch butterflies as the pass through Oklahoma to head south for the winter. There will be food, fun, and educational opportunities of children and adults alike. Learn from guest speakers about monarch conservation efforts, buy your local milkweed plants, and get to know organizations supporting this cause by visiting information booths across the event.
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WHY MILKWEED PLANTS?Monarch butterflies lay eggs only on milkweed plants; their caterpillars/larvae feed only on milkweed plants.
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WHERE CAN I GET MILKWEED PLANTS AND SEEDS?You may find plants at monarchwatch.org, at nurseries, farmer’s markets, and spring gardening events, and on eBay, Amazon.com, and other internet sites. For seeds, shop monarchwatch.org, elsewhere online, or check with the Tulsa City-County Library Seed Exchange and Oxley Nature Center. Verify that plants and seeds are 100% pesticide free (no pesticides, including organic pesticides, are butterfly friendly.)
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SHOULD I SOW SEEDS OR PLANT MILKWEED PLANTS?Plants generally have a higher success rate than seeds. Larger areas may require seeding.
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SHOULD I PLANT PLANTS NATIVE OR NOT NATIVE TO OKLAHOMA?If sowing into a natural area, native plants should be used. In the home garden, both native and nonnative plants are suitable.
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HOW MANY MILKWEED PLANTS SHOULD I PLANT?One or more; there is no upper limit. If planting more than one, include multiple species. A Certified Monarch Waystation must have at least three species.
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SHOULD I PLANT ANNUALS OR PERENNIALS?Both are OK.
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WHAT IS A CERTIFIED MONARCH WAYSTATION?Details are under Monarch Waystation Program at monarchwatch.org. Certification shows that you are contributing to Monarch conservation. Upon certification, your site will be included in the International Monarch Waystation Registry, an online listing of Monarch Waystations, and you will be awarded a certificate bearing your name and your site’s unique Monarch Waystation ID number. You can purchase a waterproof sign to display on your site.
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WHAT CAN I DO TO INCREASE THE MONARCH POPULATION?Plant nectar and milkweed plants, provide water, and create a Monarch Garden, Habitat or Waystation.
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HOW AND WHEN CAN I HARVEST MILKWEED SEEDS?Seeds can be harvested when pods begin to pop open. If harvested too soon, the seeds will not be viable
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WHAT IS AN ANNUAL?A plant that dies each year. Many shed seeds which emerge the next year
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WHEN SHOULD I SOW MILKWEED PLANT SEEDS?Sow outside in fall or spring, or start seeds inside in mid-February for planting mid-March or April. Instructions are at monarchwatch.org/milkweed/prop.htm.
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WHEN DO MONARCHS ARRIVE IN THE TULSA AREA AND LEAVE?Northern migration from Mexico usually starts in March. They arrive from late March to mid-June; each year is different. The final generations of Monarchs are migratory and fly back to Mexico in September and October.
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WHEN SHOULD I PLANT?Plants are available usually by April. Perennials can be planted as late as October.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HARVESTINGVisit monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/harvesting-milkweed.
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WHAT IS A PERENNIAL?A plant that lives two years or longer
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WHAT IS NECTAR?Sugar-rich liquid produced in flowers and elsewhere in a plant.
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WHERE SHOULD I SOW OR PLANT?In an area that receives at least 6 hours of sun a day. Well-drained, light soils are better than those with clay. You may add peat, aged compost, or rotted leaves. Herbicides are not butterfly friendly.
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SEEDS MAY BE DONATED TO:tulsalibrary.org/tags/tccl-seed-library
Partner Organizations
