monarchs – East Metro Water

Help save monarch butterflies

By: angiehongmn April 14, 2022April 13, 2022

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbutterflies, featured, gardening, milkweed, monarchs, native plants, pollinatorsLeave a Comment

USFWS estimates that there is a 96-100% probability that western monarch populations will collapse within 50 years and an 80% probability that eastern monarchs will as well. But, people can prevent that from happening by planting more milkweed.

Give me a home where the butterflies roam

By: angiehongmn July 17, 2019July 17, 2019

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbees, Blue Thumb, environment, featured, gardening, monarchs, native landscaping, Pollinator Friendly Alliance, pollinators, prairieLeave a Comment

On May 11, 1858, the United States of America welcomed its 32nd state to the union – 18 million acres of prairie, 21 million acres of wetlands, 31.5 million acres of forests, and 11,842 lakes, now lovingly known as Minnesota. Over the years, Minnesota has grown and prospered. Settlers drained wetlands to make way for…

Restoring habitat successfully also means learning to live with wildlife again

By: angiehongmn June 6, 2019June 4, 2019

Wildlifebears, endangered species, featured, monarchs, wildlife habitat1 Comment

Two years ago, before my family embarked on a trip-of-a-lifetime to Australia, we sat down for a frank discussion around the dinner table. “Here’s the deal,” I announced, as I looked at my mother, my husband, and especially my then 4-year old son. “There are saltwater crocodiles in tropical northern Queensland, and we need to…

It’s all about the bees

By: angiehongmn December 4, 2018

Keeping water clean, Local Achievements, Partners and Updates, Wildlifebees, butterflies, Conservation farming, cover crops, featured, habitat restoration, monarchs, pollinators1 Comment

Washington Conservation District recognizes Pam Arnold & Laurie Schneider for their conservation efforts The bee is a curious ambassador for the Earth. They are little. They sting. They tiptoe across flowers on insect legs, waving insect antenna, and peering out at the world through kaleidoscoped insect eyes. The females do all of the work, and…

Putting Down Roots in the Prairie

By: angiehongmn August 7, 2018

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbirds, featured, leadplant, monarchs, native plants, prairie, soil and water conservationLeave a Comment

The roots of the leadplant chart a course toward the center of the earth. Thirsty and longing for stability, they branch, spread and burrow further and further into the soil. Encountering a rock or a flat pan of clay, they will pause, turn, and then continue their travels laterally. In sandy soils, where rainwater is…

Protecting Pollinators – What’s the Latest Buzz?

By: angiehongmn September 28, 2017

Uncategorized, Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbees, honeybees, monarchs, native plants, pollinatorsLeave a Comment

There are 250 native bee species in Minnesota and 140 species of butterflies.

Join the PolliNATION

By: angiehongmn August 23, 2016

Wildlife, Yards and Landscapingbees, birds, Blue Thumb, clean water, monarchs, native plants, pollinators, Washington Conservation DistrictLeave a Comment

Since your own lawn is small, you might be surprised to learn that turf grass covers more acres of land in the U.S. than the eight largest agricultural crops combined. Imagine what a difference it would make if all of us converted ¼ of our lawn to native plantings that provide habitat for pollinators, birds and wildlife.

Monarchs in the Trees

By: angiehongmn August 6, 2014

Wildlife, Yards and LandscapingBlue Thumb, butterflies, monarchs, native plants, pollinators, wildlife habitatLeave a Comment

On Thursday, Aug. 7, 6:30-8pm, the Jurans and the Grabowskis will open up their yards to neighbors and other members of the local community who are looking for ideas and inspiration.