Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 22, 2016)
24 Wednesday, June 22, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon BuTTERFLIES: Milkweed is key to monarch migration Continued from page 3 disease and parasites; cli- mate change; and pesticide use. After learning about the decline in the monarch popu- lation, the class decided they wanted to build a butterfly habitat. Monarchs travel between 1,000 and 2,000 miles from Canada to Mexico every year. Monarchs can travel between 50-100 miles a day; it can take up to two months to complete their journey to winter habitat. Across the country there are three dif- ferent migration corridors. Sisters lies on the West Coast corridor. This species of butterfly typically produces 5-6 gen- erations per year. The first generations have a lifespan of between 2-8 weeks. During this time they continue to move north, mate and have the next generation that will continue the northern migra- tion. The last generation — the “super-generation” — can live from 7-9 months. These are the butterflies that will migrate south for the winter to either Southern California or the Sierra Nevada moun- tains of Mexico. To do what they could to combat the habitat loss for monarchs, students in Werts’ class, along with a variety of volunteers, built a mon- arch waystation outside the middle school. Volunteers Dave and Joel Priest of Sisters helped to build raised beds for the specific plants, as well as installed drip irri- gation to ensure the plants stayed watered. In addition to the many volunteers, both Sisters Rental and Luttons’ Ace Hardware donated lum- ber, mulch and other products to help this project. “My favorite part of the project has been doing research on the different plants that monarchs like,” said student Stacey Alvarez. “Monarchs can be attracted by cultivat- ing a butterfly garden with milkweed and nectar plants.” During their migration, monarch butterflies have a very specific habitat — milk- weed. Many native milkweed plants have been destroyed due to their toxic nature to livestock. (Milkweed is toxic to livestock, but animals will avoid it if other options are available.) Adult monarchs feed on the nectar of many flowers, but breed only where milk- weed is found. Without the milkweed plants there isn’t anywhere for the butterflies to lay their eggs. The monarch larva, or caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed. “I liked planting the milk- weed,” said fifth-grader Rylan Wetherell. “Monarchs lay eggs on the underneath of the milkweed leaves. The caterpillars eat the milkweed leaves, which make them taste bad to predators.” To m L a n d i s , a retired member of the United State Forest Service — and as Werts calls him a monarch Guru — lives in Southern Oregon and has recently written for “Native Plants Journal” on monarch waystations. Landis has been working on propagating native plants to create travel corridors for migrating monarch butterfly populations for three years. “Everything clicked for this (Sisters) project,” said Landis. “I was able to help with the plants, they have found a good spot with good sun and irrigation — and there is a great teacher that is getting the kids excited about the project.” There are different variet- ies of milkweed that thrive here in the Central Oregon area and they can be found at local nurseries if community members wish to develop their own monarch but- terfly waystation. In addition to native milkweed, a good hab- itat also has plenty of flowering nectar plants. Landis rec- ommends a combination of plants — some that bloom in the spring, some in summer and some in early fall so the adult but- terflies always have a food source. Milkweed may not flower the first year it is planted, but once it is estab- lished the root system will bring it back every year. “I’ve liked getting the word out about monarchs, way stations, milkweed, and how monarchs are endan- gered,” said student Bodie Dachtler. “I think this waysta- tion can make a difference.” RESCuE: Hiker used cell phone to navigate on PCT Continued from page 1 Jefferson County SAR Coordinator Dave Blann said Sterley did the right thing call- ing for help as she was headed into the Cabot Creek drainage, which is a very difficult area to get out of. “Unfortunately Alison was dependent on the app she used on her phone for navigation,” Blann said. “After talking with the SAR members that located her, she is planning on purchasing a standalone GPS and refreshing her map and compass skills.” Blann strongly recom- mends anyone going into the woods bring the 10 essentials and to be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you will be returning. Be prepared, it’s still winter up high. The Garden Angel 541-549-2882 Create your backyard paradise Cleanups • Fertilizing Irrigation • Mowing• LCB#9352 Quilt Drawing for FURRY FRIEND S 501 ( c )( 3 ) FOUNDATION 100% of the proceeds go to Furry Friends Foundation. “Friends of Furry Friends” quilt was pieced by Valerie Fercho-Tillery. The bold colors and incredible detail make this a spectacular quilt. The quilt is currently on display at The Nugget offi ce, 442 E. Main Ave. Bring your pup by for a dog cookie and have a look! Tickets may be purchased at The Nugget offi ce or online at our website www.furryfriendsfoundation.org. Tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or go for it, 25 for $20. Info: 541-549-9941 “Friends of Furry Friends” - by Valerie Fercho-Tillery (46"w x 59"h)
