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Getting the Butterflies
Monarch Butterflies are a particularly fascinating migratory species that graces the Lake Huron shores in Spring and Fall. In Spring, it makes its way 5000 kilometers to Canada from its overwintering grounds in Mexico. In recent years, large declines in numbers of this insect have raised concerns over losses in habitat, and specifically in declines in milkweed plants that are vital to its life cycle.
(Source: Friends of Oliphant Coastal Environment)
In March or early April, Monarchs that have overwintered in Mexico mate and begin their northward migration. Both males and females leave their winter sites, with females laying their eggs on the resurgent milkweed in Gulf of Mexico coastal states. Most Monarchs will die following this initial breeding event; however, there have been reports of individuals making the entire return journey to Ontario. These ’superflies’ have been recorded at Point Pelee in late April and early May, but they were pretty weather-beaten by the time they make it here. Within the same season, adults of the new generation continue the migration to the northern edges of their breeding range. Along the way, they produce further generations, and typically reach southern Canada near the end of May and the first week of June.
(Source: Parks Canada, showing the life cycle)
In southern Canada, the Eastern population of Monarch produces two to three generations each year between June and September. The eggs hatch in three to eight days and the larvae feed on the leaves, flowers and fruits of milkweed plants for nine to fifteen days under normal summer temperatures. Development from egg to adult butterfly averages 30 days but can range between 20 and 45 days depending on physical conditions such as temperature, day length, and availability of milkweed. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Due to favourable conditions experienced in 2015, Monarch numbers should be up from previous years, though still far from optimum numbers.
The Monarch is a Species at Risk in Ontario, and as such it has been identified as a species of Special Concern. Loss of habitat and loss of access to milkweed are considered to be this species’ main threats.
Fortunately, communities are stepping up to give the Monarch a fighting chance. On Lake Huron, community groups in the Town of Saugeen Shores are actively taking measures to ensure milkweed is available by establishing certified butterfly gardens along the coastline. That's a great example of how committed volunteers can make a difference!
There are several Species at Risk along the shores of Lake Huron, and often, it’s a matter of simple measures that people can undertake to help conserve these plants and animals in difficulty. The Coastal Centre has penned some ideas in its “Caring for Our Coast” booklet available here.
Earth Day is April 22 this year, and it's a good time to reflect, as we prepare for the coming summer season, on the ways we can better live in balance with nature. Maybe, with forethought, planning and stewardship actions, there will be a day when no species needs to have an “at risk” designation. And each Monarch fluttering along our beaches, each Piping Plover fledgling successfully raised on our shores, and each Spotted Turtle observed safely basking on a log, will be symbols of how well our coastal environment is improving.
Additional reading material:
Monarch Spring migration map
Build your own butterfly garden
(article by Geoff Peach, Coastal Resources Manager)
Celebrating Our Volunteers
Canada Volunteer Week is April 10 to 16, 2016. We at the Coastal Centre rely on the active contributions of volunteers, from our governing Board of Directors, Board of Technical Advisors, and our Coast Watcher citizen scientists who collect data that help us monitor the shore, to the co-op students from our local high schools – all play a vital role in making a strong, effective organization working for the benefit of Lake Huron.
Non-government organizations, such as the Coastal Centre, can’t function without dedicated volunteers that help with many of the functions of the organizations. All of our volunteers are valued and greatly appreciated; they deserve two thumbs up, high-fives, some fist pumps, and a loud THANK YOU for all that they do.
If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities at the Coastal Centre, send us an email, give us a call, or drop in to our office. Volunteers make it happen!
Above: Alyssa Bourassa & Hailey Bakker Goderich District Collegiate Institute Co-op Students, Fall 2015
Above: Emily Shaw, Goderich District Collegiate Institute Co-op Student, Spring 2016
"Is the Coast Clear?" Conference
The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation is pleased to announce its 9th biennial conference entitled “Is the Coast Clear?”. This year’s conference will take place in the beautiful community of Port Elgin on the shores of Lake Huron.
“Is the Coast Clear?” is a one-day conference that provides a forum for the general public and professionals in the field to become better informed about issues affecting Lake Huron’s coastal environment. It also offers an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the consideration of possible solutions to environmental challenges.
We have invited experts from around the Great Lakes region to offer insights into coastal research that builds on our current understanding of lake conditions. In addition, we have experts to speak about local actions and solutions to environmental challenges.
This conference attracts a diverse audience — cottagers, residents, farmers, municipal staff, elected representatives, public agencies, industry, environmental NGO's and anyone else who is interested in the future of Lake Huron’s environment.
This year's theme is Coast Watchers: Observing our Coast and Responding to Challenges
Coast Watchers: Observing our Coast and Responding to Challenges
The 9th Biennial Conference on Lake Huron's Coastal Environment is hosted by the Coastal Centre.
Date: Friday, May 27, 2016
Location: UNIFOR Family Education Centre, Port ElginCost: $60 per person ($40 per student)
Conference Sponsored by:
This Earth Day, don’t get caught with your plants down. Get to the root of the matter. While impaired soil is grounds for concern, polluted water is hard to swallow, and loss of trees is hard to be-leaf, you can take matters into your own hands by donating to the Coastal Centre. As a coastal organization, we make waves by advocating for a lake that is shore-ly improving in its environmental condition, if you get my littoral drift. If you make a donation today, we’ll stop the bad puns. Only you can make it stop.
To make a donation, click here.
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