December 11, 2024: The USFWS declared that they were proposing putting the monarch butterfly on the endangered species list. They will finalize their decision after a ninety-day period influenced by public comment submissions. I believe it is important that each of us take the time to submit a comment, short or long, urging that the monarch butterfly be listed as endangered so that actions may be taken to address the serious threats to their and our well being.
From December 12 until March 12 2025 comments can be submitted to https://www.regulations.gov enter the docket number: fws-r3-es-2024-0137. There will be two public hearings for which you can register.
By helping to save the monarchs, we will ultimately be helping to save all life and ourselves. Small positive actions by each of us are threads helping to repair and restore the tapestry of life. Saving monarchs will require the participation from individuals, communities, towns, schools, along our roads, and in public spaces. We need to build and landscape thoughtfully. We need to create pathways of native milkweeds and wildflowers. Nourish nature, nourish ourselves.
