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June 27, 2023 0 Comments

Book Review: Monarch Butterflies: Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World

September 5, 2021 0 Comments

Monarch Butterflies is a visual and literary delight. Author Ann Hobbie is the Chair of the board of directors of Monarch Joint Venture. For her first book, she partnered with the extremely talented illustrator Olga Baumert. Baumart moves from photo like accuracy at times, to the super detail of anatomical drawings for clarity, then to …

Mixed Feelings at Monarch Tagging Time

August 25, 2021 0 Comments

Earlier this month, I received that familiar orange envelope from Monarch Watch.  My tags had arrived.  As caterpillar hunting and rearing was winding down, tagging season would soon begin. I was excited.  They thrill of the hunt for caterpillars would be replaced by the capture and release of monarchs.  Where was the best place to …

Monarchs: To Raise or not to raise?

July 21, 2021 2 Comments

Raise! Raising monarchs is the most exciting, interesting, healthy and inspiring summer hobby for people from 2 to 102. The hunt for eggs, caterpillars, and food gets you out of the house, away from your screen, and into the natural world, with all its wonder and health benefits. The close up view of the super …

Mexico 2022!

March 16, 2021 0 Comments

As more of us get our covid shots, we can envision our world after covid. I for one, can’t wait to book my next trip. If visiting the overwintering sanctuaries is on your bucket list, I recommend booking sooner than later. With the best itinerary, dates, and price, this best kept secret tour could fill …

Book Review: Nature Where We Live, by Don Scallen

March 14, 2021 0 Comments

This winter, I spent endless hours scouring the trails and woods in search of cocoons. I found few prizes, and have had to satisfy myself with fungi, old nests, and way too many gypsy moth egg cases. If you are a lepiphile like me (yes I just made that word up), maybe you’re ready for …

Are you ready for monarch season?

March 31, 2020 0 Comments

At this time of year, even if you didn’t have covid fever (I mean CABIN) fever, you might be itching for monarch season to start. I certainly am. Well, my friend, it is already in full swing in Texas, and it won’t be long until the rest of us are scouring our yards and neighbourhoods …

Spotline on: Junior Monarch Crusader Cameron Bolohan

October 28, 2019 2 Comments

Cameron is 16 years old and lives in London, Ontario. His interest in monarch butterflies began in Junior Kindergarten when his teacher brought 2 chrysalises into the classroom. The children watched the chrysalis change and a butterfly emerge. They learned about the gender of the butterflies, named them and watched their release. Cameron had an …

Caterpillar Season Comes to an End

October 13, 2019 0 Comments

I am overwhelmed with mixed feelings as caterpillar season comes to a close. One by one, I clean my rearing containers, as the last of my butterflies start their new life by soaring out my kitchen window. I still check every milkweed, hoping to find a late season juicer, consoling myself that it wouldn’t have …

Presentation Tips and Tricks

August 5, 2018 3 Comments

Welcome to the club.  You have raised your first monarchs.  While there is so much more to learn, you’ve picked up a lot, and you are exploding to share.  In fact, your friends may have been encouraging you to talk at local schools, clubs, retirement residences and libraries. You may have taken enough photos to …