The Day the Monarchs Came

This picture from  http://www.rhoadesbutterflygarden.org/geninfo.html

Several years ago we had a visit from migrating Monarch's. I came home in the late afternoon and looked out the window toward our white pine trees. They were all across the back of our property. I saw that the branches were covered with something. I went out into the yard and found that the trees were covered with Monarch butterflies. Walking around the yard, I noticed that the Maple trees were covered too. Butterflies were fluttering all around me. I went in to get my husband and he came out and sat on the lawn chair. The butterflies landed on him and were all over his head and shirt. My neighbor came out and was so excited to see them. We didn't have the internet, at that time, and could only research with encyclopedias and library books. We reluctantly went in the house and ate dinner and then went back out to sit on the deck in the evening. The butterflies had quieted down and were  hanging on every branch. We took lots of pictures , but with cameras being what they used to be...they didn't turn out too well. They are deep in a box somewhere. So this picture is a little like what we saw, though not nearly as many butterflies. It was a one time experience that fall. We were part of the migration...providing a stopover in Hampshire, Illinois. They were on their way to Texas and farther south. It's just about that time for their migration. I haven't seen too many this year and will look forward to following their migration on the web. We'll see if their populations are dwindling everywhere or not.I read somewhere that in 2011 there was an increase in their population. 

Speaking of Monarchs...there is a walk this Sunday for the Ray Graham Association.  The Monarch Walk benefits Ray Graham Association and the programs & services RGA provides to nearly 2,000 people with disabilities. The Monarch Walk will be on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at the DuPage County Complex. This year’s event introduces an extended trail option to cover a one-mile distance. Registration starts at 9 am and The Monarch Walk begins at 10:30 am. Join us for a day of fun while raising support and awareness for Ray Graham Association!

Visit The Monarch Walk website at http://www.rgamonarchwalk.kintera.org/2012.  Starting your teams is easy! For more information please contact Julia Baker at 630.628.7274 or juliab@raygraham.org.

Several of my family members will be participating in this worthwhile event. One of our family members benefits from the Ray Graham Association. 

Balisha

Mona emailed me this afternoon and gave me this link   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcHO0Aue9oI#t=135  It shows a Monarch resting place. I really enjoyed the music and the video. 

Thanks, Mona