MONARCHS RULE AT BLUFFS

Butterfly a ‘poster-child species’ for conservation challenges

A majority of the monarch butterfly migration to Lake Erie’s southern shore had yet to light as of the afternoon of Aug. 18, at least at Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township.

But that made it all the more gratifying when visitors did spot them amid the wildflowers during Lake Metroparks’ Best of the Bluffs event.

The monarch was the theme of this year’s program and helped to draw an estimated 350 registrants.

“I think that’s the highest number we’ve had for this particular event,” said Lake Metroparks Interpretive Naturalist Vicki Solomon.

Lake Erie Bluffs is a vital fuel stop and rest area on the Monarch’s “skyway highway” to

“I think that’s the highest number we’ve had for this particular event.” — Vicki Solomon, Lake Metroparks interpretive naturalist

their wintering grounds in Mexico, she said. Those bred in Canada may travel as many as 2,000 miles, 60 miles across Lake Erie alone.

“Lake Erie Bluffs offers a generous buffet of nectar from plants like milkweed, goldenrod, boneset, asters and Joe Pye weed in its nearly 600 acres of natural area,” Solomon said.

Best of the Bluffs is in its fourth year and features a different aspect of the park each year.

“Being a well-known butterfly, the monarch serves as a kind of poster-child species illustrating current challenges in conservation,” Solomon said. “Experts estimate that the eastern population of monarchs has fallen as much as 90 percent over the last two decades, largely because of habitat loss. The good news is that people can make a difference. Through simple choices and actions right here at home, we can help support monarch populations.”

Lake Metroparks planned this year’s event to provide activities, tips and resources from naturalists and conservation partners to help visitors enjoy the butterflies and become part of the solution.

“That is why we’re here,” said Mentor’s Kristy Roborecki, who attended with her family. Three-year-old daughter Chloe made a few attempts at butterfly catching with a net provided. “She’s obsessed with caterpillars and butterflies.”

Other activities included trail cart tours, a live animal program, observing Monarchs being raised in captivity, a migration game and potting a native flower seed to take home.

For more information, visit lakemetroparks.com.

CARRIE GARLAND FOR THE NEWS-HERALD Monarch butterflies were the theme of this year’s Best of the Bluffs Aug. 18 in Perry Township.

PHOTOS BY CARRIE GARLAND FOR THE NEWS-HERALD Lake Metroparks’ Best of the Bluffs was Aug. 18 at Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township.