Monarch caterpillar reported in Norman on Nov. 11, 2024. Photo by Julia Summers. |
Fall Migration Continues,
Keep Reporting Your Sightings |
Typically around this time of year, the majority of monarchs have arrived to their overwintering grounds in Mexico. However, these warmer temperatures have monarchs camping out all over the U.S. As of last week, monarchs are being reported as far north as New Jersey and as of yesterday, a caterpillar was reported in Norman, OK. This unusual late fall activity we are witnessing can only be fully realized and understood if scientists have data. And anyone who sees a monarch, no matter its stage or size, is a data holding machine. Let's show our collective citizen science power and continue feeding the scientists by reporting all of our sightings to Journey North. |
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Gifts for Pollinator Fans! |
Looking for that perfect gift for a pollinator enthusiast in your life? These unique gifts are MADE IN OKLAHOMA and proceeds benefit our efforts to save the monarchs! Gift-giving you can feel GREAT about! |
Native Fall Bloomers for Pollinators |
Planting a variety of plants with different bloom times, flower shapes and scents make your garden a welcoming habitat for all types of pollinators. By incorporating fall blooming plants, you provide an essential source of food for birds, bees and butterflies when food is more scarce. Additionally, they beautify your garden in the fall by adding more color and texture. In this video from Outdoor Oklahoma, Dave Hillock and Jenna Donnell show fall blooming plants that are beneficial for our native pollinators. |
Leaves Are Habitat, Not Trash |
Bagging leaves? You could also be throwing away a good deal of wildlife, including firefly larvae. Fireflies, which are beetles, live the bulk of their lives as larva in leaf litter, under rotting logs, and in moist areas where they can thrive. The larvae are eating machines, devouring many soft-bodied insects such as slugs and snails. The beauty they bring as adults is a wonderful bonus.
How to provide excellent firefly habitat: Leave the leaves or move them just a bit - you’ll have habitat for fireflies and other beneficial insects now and then organic compost later. Avoid using chemicals in the landscape as much as possible. Provide some areas with tall grasses; fireflies like to perch as they look for mates. Provide water features or moist areas. Limit the use of outside lights. |
Collect Now for Next Year's Blooms |
Between our first freeze taking its time to arrive and the much-needed rainfall, seed production among many native plants continues on. Collecting seeds is one of those activities that can make a person feel wealthy. By the time you finish collecting seeds in the fall, you can have shelves stuffed with the makings of next year’s garden. Perhaps you could even start a new tradition of exchanging packets of seeds for the holidays or giving seed packets as host gifts! Check out the events below for upcoming seed swaps and a harvesting/storage workshop. |
These events are featured on our community calendar and hosted by other pollinator champions in our great state! |
November 14, 6 - 7 pm Compost 101Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC
November 16, 2 pm - 3 pm
Webinar
November 23, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
November 25, 10 am - 12 pm
November 26, 10 am - 12 pm Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC
Sat, November 30, 10 am - 11 am |
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