Twenty years ago, there were more than a billion monarch butterflies worldwide. Less than a decade later, the number had fallen dramatically to 35 million in around 2014-2015.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) drew up an unusual resolution in order to mobilize North America’s cities and that’s when the “Monarch-friendly city” movement was born. To give a boost to the monarch populations, the cities and towns were invited to join this initiative by developing habitat zones for the butterfly. Actions to be taken – 24 of them – are clearly listed. The municipalities receive gold, silver or bronze certification, depending on the number of actions that they commit to undertaking.

This is why Mont-Tremblant can display its silver certification, obtained because it has put in place 18 actions to be taken between now and 2025.

Among other things, the wild milkweed plants will from now on be protected on the city’s territory. What’s more, in horticultural planning, its planting is supported, like that of several other pollinator-friendly plants.

If you wish to participate in the survival of monarchs, here’s a list of the best plants to attract them to your garden: common milkweed, joe-pye weed, Canada goldenrod, meadow blazing-star, lavender fountain shrub, Mexican sunflower, Peruvian heliotrope (also called cherry-pie flower), common yarrow, lantana and Michaelmas daisy.

To wind up, did you know that every springsummer, from three to five generations of monarchs are born in North America? Each of them lives no more than five weeks, except the last, which will live several months to ensure the migration to Mexico.

“Happiness is like a butterfly; it flies without ever looking backwards.”

Happy June, everyone!

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