Monarchs are one of approximately 40 butterflies that can call Texas home.
Their orange wings with black veins are easily recognized as are their plump caterpillars with black, white and yellow bands. The Monarch is North America’s longest migrating butterfly.
Learn more about them and other local butterflies in a free March 23 program presented by Mary Parkhouse, Fort Bend County Master Gardener, at the Mission Bend Branch Library, 8421 Addicks-Clodine Road, Houston. The two-hour program called “Butterfly Gardening for Beginners” will begin at 2 p.m.
As development encroaches on natural habitats, home gardening assumes a greater importance. People can create a butterfly ecosystem in their garden as well as in public sites such as parks. That ecosystem can include butterfly-friendly plants, sunny areas for butterflies to warm up and a shallow water source.
Attend the class to learn more about Monarch butterflies and how you can ensure that they are around for your grandchildren.
The free program also will include the Gulf Fritillary, a year-round resident in Fort Bend County; the Giant Swallowtail, one of the largest butterflies found in Fort Bend; the Black Swallowtail, another large butterfly found spring through fall in the area; and the Orange-barred Sulphur, one of Sulphur butterflies found almost year-round in Fort Bend.
Butterflies are important because of their roles in thriving ecosystems and as pollinators. They also increase biodiversity by providing food and habitat for other animals.
Parkhouse, a Master Gardener since 2007, is a member of the Entomology Group in Fort Bend County.