Submitted photo DNR wildlife diversity biologist Sue Olcott shares the story of the Monarch butterfly with Emma Scott Garden Club members. The life cycle, migratory habit and desired habitat of the Monarch was discussed along with recent efforts to conserve the species in our region.

ELKINS — The Emma Scott Garden Club welcomed wildlife diversity biologist Sue Olcott to its September meeting for a presentation on conservation of the Monarch butterfly. Olcott has worked for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and other groups to develop conservation practices for the Monarch population in recent years. She provided information on the Monarch life cycle and how citizens can help conserve the species.

The Monarch is a migratory butterfly and one of 138 butterfly species in West Virginia. Monarchs spend December through February in Mexico before beginning their migration to a large area south of the Great Lakes including West Virginia. In late summer, the Monarchs leave our area to return to Mexico after four generations have completed their life cycle from egg to adult.

Milkweed is the preferred food of the Monarch although they also eat the nectar of many flowers. They typically deposit their eggs on the milkweed which then hatch into the larva stage (caterpillar) and pupa (chrysalis or cocoon) where it transforms into the magnificent orange and black butterfly.

The Monarch population in the U.S. has declined in the last two decades by 80 – 90%. Researchers attribute their decline to loss of habitat when milkweed is removed for crop production; climate change; use of certain pesticides; and parasites/diseases. Declining numbers of Monarchs rebounded slightly in the winter of 2018/2019, but the species is still imperiled in the U.S. Now many organizations and enterprises are changing their land management practices by planting more pollinator-attracting plants to support the life cycles of pollinators, including Monarchs.

Olcott urged Garden Club members to take the following steps to support the Monarch population in our area: 1) avoid using pesticides, especially systemic types, 2) provide nectar with sequentially flowering plants throughout the summer months, 3) provide shelter for the larvae by leaving some weedy areas uncut, 4) plant milkweed and other nectar-producing plants in areas protected from the wind, and 5) provide more native plants, which produce more nectar then hybridized multi-bloom plants. She also emphasized that Monarchs and all butterflies are attracted to large groups of flowering plants as opposed to short-cut lawns.

Club president Pat Mayes conducted the business meeting. Christina Sanders read the minutes of the August meeting and Judy Guye gave the treasurer’s report. The Tygart Valley District meeting will be held on Sept. 14 in Parsons with 7 members planning to attend. Mayes thanked Linda and Charles Shomo and Judy Guye for helping her with the Midland Elementary pollinator garden planting.

The dedication ceremony for the planned Serenity Garden at Davis Medical Center was Sept. 12. Club members brought garden tools for a special blessing. Barbara Heasley, Joann Gabel, Coco McDaniel, Dave Cutlip and Diana Patella are heading up this project.

A thank you letter was sent to Tammy’s Floral for the fantastic job they are doing with the flowers downtown. A letter to the editor of The Inter-Mountain was also sent in praise of Tammy’s for their work.

Monica Varchetto will be creating the ESGC scarecrow for the local Scarecrow Festival, along with the help of her after-school students.

The Yard of the Month committee will be surveying local landscapes and judging for selection of fall Mountain State Forest Festival Yard of the Month awards on Sept.30.

Bobbi Trimboli reported on the Horticulture Club activities at the Elkins Mountain School, including an upcoming session conducted by S&T Bees.

Refreshments were provided by Coco McDaniel and Pat Mayes. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church where Kendall Goins from Wild Bird Unlimited will discuss “The Joy of Birdfeeding.” New members are always welcomed. for more information, call club President Pat Mayes at 304-338-2784 or membership chair BJ McKenzie at 304-614-3079.