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New Monarch Waystation Planting Event on July 17 in Need of Volunteers

[Duluth, MN] – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that Duluth Monarch Buddies, Shoreview Natives and Friends of the Lakewalk will be planting milkweed to create a new monarch butterfly habitat and waystation along the Lakewalk Trail at 26^th Avenue East tomorrow, Tuesday, July 17th, during the following times: 9-Noon, 1-3pm and 4:30-6:30pm. Volunteers are still needed for the 1-3pm and 4:30-6:30pm time slots.

This planting site is part of a larger effort to increase habitat for monarch butterflies in Duluth. Monarchs only lay their eggs on milkweed and their caterpillars only eat milkweed leaves.  Pollinators such as butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, moths, and other insects will benefit from these energy sources as well.  Due to herbicide use in crops, changing farm practices, and urban growth, pollinator habitat has been drastically reduced.  “Corridors” of plants are needed as an alternative resource for pollinator-friendly food. Multiple locations have been identified along the Lakewalk and in Hartley Park where milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants could be planted.


Volunteers are needed from 1-3pm and 4:30-6:30pm tomorrow. Interested volunteers are encouraged to register at www.duluthmn.gov/parks/volunteer/volunteer-calendar.  This is an all-ages, no experience necessary event. All equipment and supplies will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, dress for the weather and to bring water to stay hydrated. Parking is available in the lot behind the Holiday Gas Station at 26^th Avenue East and London Road. 

The Monarch waystation (or Monarch habitat) at 26th Avenue East and the Lakewalk Trail is funded by Duluth Monarch Buddies and Pheasants Forever and will be registered as an official monarch waystation at Monarch Watch.org.

Please contact City staff, Cheryl Skafte, with questions at 218-341-8454 or cskafte@duluthmn.gov.

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