How is California trying to help the Monarch? By planting weeds. No, not that weed, but milkweed. The plant is crucial tor the Monarch's life cycle, for the caterpillar larvae feeds on the native plant for two weeks giving it a bright color and a toxicity which helps protect it from predation. Conservationists are rushing to plant thirty thousand milkweeds. The state is providing $1.3 million to restore 595 acres of Monarch habitat along rivers and streams. Neighborhood gardeners and nurseries are being encouraged to plant milkweed too. Scientists are not sure of the exact cause of the butterfly's population collapse. It could be, like honeybees, they are suffering from a conglomeration of threats. The increasing use of herbicides has wiped out milkweeds. A recent study by the University of Nevada found nine different herbicides on plants from the Central Valley. Climate heating is also suspected to be a factor. Scientist have found Monarch starting their migrations earlier, before milkweed is blooming. Fires and freezes have also taken a toll. The fact that they’re declining so fast is an indicator that a lot of other pollinators are also declining, which again is bad news for US.The good news is that Monarch are very resilient creatures. The interventions will be studied to determine if they are effective and find other ways to help the butterfly. Insects are often viewed negatively by humans, but Monarchs are a symbol of spring and welcomed sight. Hopefully humans will rally to help the beautiful orange and black flyer. [photo: River Partners]