i Ride 4 Wildlife

THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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However, here is some reading that you could do to get started, lol!

 

My love and fascination with this genus started about 5 years ago when I volunteer with the Journey North Citizen Science project to track the Monarch Butterfly. This included surveying for the Milkweed plant, and this is where it all started for me. Yes, the history and biology of the Monarch is absolutely fascinating, but the biggest question that remain stuck in my head was, why are we not growing more Milkweed, and not just 3 or 4 species, all of the native species in ones State?

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Well, it's not the easiest thing to do, especially for those who are not "good growers".  So I figured I would start my own independent project;  surveying for Milkweed at state parks, county parks and privately owned land?  This is a very interesting project, I learned so much about the ecology and biology of this plant, and not just when it's in flower, but to find it as early shoots in Spring, as well as growing into more mature plants that then eventually flower. I collected A LOT of data that I still need to put together in a way that's easy for everyone to understand, which will be added to this page when ready.

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This has also inspired me to collect seeds and study their germination and growth patterns. Through this journey I have met some amazing people that share my passion to grow them all, especially the threatened and endangered one, and to eventually redistribute that local species back to their native habitat, or whatever is left of it. To encourage gardeners to grow "State specific" natives that are local specimens, and grow a bigger variety. I know for some this sounds pretty daunting, but we have some really amazing growers that are only happy to help.

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One of the best Asclepias (Milkweed) sites are GROW MILKWEED PLANTS. It's very informative with range and distribution maps, as well as great information about germinating and growing these amazing plants.