What’s happening at the Hallie C. Jackson Butterfly Sanctuary?
We are currently in the phase of removing weeds and last year’s plant “die off”. We leave the die off in place through winter and early spring because it is essential to the ecosystem. Beneficial insects—including ladybugs, fireflies, and some butterfly species—overwinter in this material, so we wait to clear it until they have had time to hatch and become established.
On Saturday, May 16, Shawn McKenna delivered the first batch of his annual plant donation: 72 blue cornflowers; 36 each of petite marigolds, salvia, black-eyed Susans, Joe-Pye weed, zinnias, cosmos, larger marigolds, and rockcress. More plants are still developing in his greenhouse.
On Sunday, May 31, three volunteers removed mire weeds from the main milkweed beds. Girl Scout Troop 53588 also helped with weeding, planting, and a special project: planting wildflower seed balls in a prepared area. Thank you, Troop 53588!
An abundance of beneficial plants has returned from last year, especially the milkweed we have cultivated for the last few years. It continues to expand each season and remains the most important plant in the sanctuary, as it is the only host plant and food source for endangered Monarch caterpillars. Since launching this project, we have raised and released more than 1,000 Monarch butterflies.
We have scheduled a service day for Saturday, June 6, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed for weed removal, planting, and basic maintenance. Gardening experience is welcome but not required—we are happy to teach beginners. We hope to see you there, and any amount of time you can contribute is appreciated.
A big thanks to Shawn McKenna for his leadership and Lisa Palermo, “our resident butterfly expert”.
The Hallie Christine Jackson Butterfly Sanctuary was dedicated on Saturday, August 7, 2023 marking the official opening. For information on the history of this sanctuary, click HERE.