New Jersey Assembly Bill No. 2448-Milkweed for Monarchs Program / Introduced February 4th, 2016 / Sponsored by: Assemblymen Tim Eustace (District 38-Bergen& Passaic)

THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY POPULATION IS DECLINING

Earlier this month the New Jersey legislature established the “Milkweed for Monarch Act,” as a measure of providing milkweed which was identified as a critical larval food-source throughout the monarch’s migration route(s), and key component to increase the population. Through this passage, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is establishing a volunteer program in cooperation with local and state governments to plant and maintain milkweed in storm-water management basins.   

 Other key points include:

• Development of information/educational materials (for volunteers, local government, environmental groups, etc.).   
• Creation of a list of storm-water basins (on state-owned lands) where milkweed planting would be beneficial and feasible.
• Issuance of adoption certificates to participating entities.

Other important facts to consider with this important measure is that including nectar sources in addition to the milkweed will also provide a valuable food source for adult monarchs. The Pollinator Partnership’s Eco-Regional Guide is an excellent resource for selecting an appropriate flower (nectar) species.  Additional resources include your local environmental commission, or the NJDEP.  There are also numerous other organizations that are leading the way including the Monarch Joint Venture, but make it a point to help out where you can! 

Stay tuned for future updates on this topic. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.