Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Garden
In 2019, residents began a program to raise and release Monarch butterflies. That same year, Cresswind applied for and received certification as a “Monarch Way Station”, a nationally-recognized program that requires numerous types of pollinator-friendly plants. More specifically, it requires the growing of several varieties of milkweeds to serve as host plants for Monarch caterpillars. In 2020, a Monarch breeding station was added which consists of boxes that aid Monarch development along with educational posters for visitors to the garden. Adult Monarch releases are held periodically throughout the season with over (200) Monarchs released in 2021. Follow the links below to learn more about the host and nectar plants in this section of the garden.