Mow Less, Save Monarchs: Every Yard Counts |
🦋 Monarchs have arrived in Oklahoma, and your yard can help them thrive! Did you know that mowing less is a simple yet powerful way to support pollinators, while also saving time and money? 🌾 By mowing every two to three weeks, your once barren yard can quickly transform into a thriving buffet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Instead of treating "weeds" as unwanted invaders, welcome them as beneficial guests—quick-blooming flowers like dandelions, clovers, and henbit (pictured above) provide essential food for native pollinators. Be mindful of your HOA and municipal regulations. We are not encouraging anyone to forego mowing. But rather, give these plants a bit more time between mowing to put up their flowers. |
Does Your Garden Have a Sign? |
When creating habitat, one effective way to minimize complaints is by posting signage. A garden sign can clearly communicate your intentions and purpose, while also sparking conversations with neighbors about the importance of pollinators. The Okies for Monarchs outdoor-friendly pollinator habitat sign (11.5"w x 15"h) is ideal for your garden, farm, or park, and it also makes a thoughtful gift. Like your garden, this sign is designed with a purpose—it's made of durable metal, large, and easy to read! |
To Rear or Not to Rear: The Cat Question! |
It can be tempting to try and protect monarch caterpillars from predation by rearing them yourself, but the result could be a less resilient monarch population. 🧐 How so? Raising monarch caterpillars in captivity can spread diseases like Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) and interfere with their migration. Research also shows that indoor rearing can affect monarchs’ ability to orient properly during migration, as they rely on environmental cues. Instead, focus on creating high-quality habitat with native milkweed and nectar plants, which provides monarchs the resources they need to thrive and ensures their long-term survival. |
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Norman's 2nd Annual Native Plant Festival |
Want to have the best garden on the block and learn more about beneficial plants? Norman's 2nd annual Native Plant Festival is this Saturday, April 12th! Co-hosted by the Oklahoma Native Plant Network and STASH, this event will feature a dozen plant vendors, informative booths, guest speakers, food trucks, and live music—all in celebration of native plants. Discover affordable varieties that support pollinators, with options for both sun and shade. There’s truly something for every garden! |
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Upcoming Events
Now - April 22 Josie Adams Cultural Center, Woodward
April 11 - 12 Tulsa Garden Center at Woodward Park, Tulsa
April 11 - 12 Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa
April 12, 9 am - 3 pm Stash, Norman
April 12, 10 am - 2 pm Cleveland Co. Fairgrounds, Norman
April 13, 11 am - 12 pm Noble Theatre, Oklahoma City
April 19, 10 am - 3 pm Scissortail Park, Oklahoma City
April 19, 10 am - 2 pm Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa
April 19, 11 am - 1 pm Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City
April 19, 8 am - 2 pm Rogers County Building, Claremore
April 22, 6 pm - 7 pm Tuttle Public Library, Tuttle
April 22, 1 pm -2 pm Monarch Joint Venture, Webinar
May 2nd - 4th Oklahoma Native Plant Society, Northwestern OK
May 3rd, 9 am - 3 pm The Puterbaugh Center, McAlester
May 3rd 10 am - 2pm Thompson Square, Ardmore
May 10th, 9 am - 4 pm Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City |
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Help plant the path for pollinators! |
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