KAREN PULFER FOCHT -Photojournalist

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Monarch Migration

Today I saw my first monarch flying around the milkweed I planted just for him. Every year I try and plant milkweed to host the butterflies. Monarchs need milkweed to lay eggs on as they migrate. I have found here in Memphis they prefer the tropical milkweed, which has to be replanted every year. I also plant the perennial milkweed too. The tropical milkweed can be hard to find sometimes. Anyways, it is a pleasurable hobby. A butterfly lady onetime taught me how to find the eggs, put the stalks in a netted laundry hamper and then watch them turn into butterflies. That offers them protection too as they grow. You just need to be sure that you are there as they hatch to let them go right away. Have fun while being a good citizen of nature. We can all be butterfly breeders! #savemonarchs #monarchwatch