This Is How Oklahomans Can Save Monarch Butterflies

Earlier this year, researchers found that the monarch butterfly population was down drastically, and Oklahoma was partly to blame. Monarch butterflies migrate through Oklahoma in the spring and fall, during which the butterflies seek out food, and their main sources are milkweed and wildflowers. But due to drought and modern landscaping, the main food sources for monarchs is lacking.

Oklahoma isn't the main place to blame for the decreasing number of monarchs. Most of the United States and Mexico are declining in the availability of milkweed because of drought. According to an article from the New York Times, milkweed is "the only plants monarch caterpillars can eat, as well as the availability of nectar from many kinds of flowers, which they feed on as butterflies."

In an interview from KOCO, this year's monarch numbers were the second lowest in history decreasing by 59.3 percent and was partly "due to the weather conditions in its migration route," which includes Oklahoma for the monarch butterflies' spring and winter migrations.

Here's how to plant milkweed and other plants in Oklahoma for monarch butterflies.

Oklahomans can have a huge impact in saving the monarch butterflies by planting milkweed and drought-tolerant native wildflowers. According to the website Okies for Monarchs, "for optimum monarch habitat, plant at least 10 milkweed plants, made up of two or more species, and several annual, biennial, or perennial plants that are in bloom sequentially or continuously during spring, summer and fall."

Milkweed is the most important plant for monarch butterflies because it's the only plant they lay eggs in and it's the only plant caterpillars want to eat. Oklahoma has several different types of native milkweed that can be planted. Check out this Oklahoma milkweed guide from Okies for Monarchs for details on native milkweed in Oklahoma. Okies for Monarchs also has details for where you can buy milkweed locally.

READ MORE: Be A Part of the Monarch Migration At an Oklahoma Wildlife Area

Oklahoma's Beneficial Insects

Not all insects are pests! There are some insects that are beneficial to you and your garden. In a study by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service on beneficial insects, "most insects found in yards, gardens or crops do not feed on or harm plants. Many are just 'passing through' or have very innocuous habits. Others feed on and destroy pest species. In many cases, the activities of these beneficial species can prevent or greatly limit pest problems."

Gallery Credit: Jeri Anderson

Where To See Fall Colors In Oklahoma

Whether it's the feeling you get when you see falls warm colors in the trees, or the comfort of a memory you recall from a younger time in your life, there are places in Oklahoma to see the beauty of autumn.

Gallery Credit: Kelso