Each fall, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to mountains in central Mexico where they wait out the winter until conditions favor a return flight in the spring. The monarch migration is truly one of the world's greatest natural wonders, yet it is threatened by habitat loss at overwintering grounds in Mexico and throughout breeding areas in the United States and Canada. Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweeds throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers these fall migratory monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico. The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world.

 

This effort, on behalf of the Chevy Chase Estates Garden Club was spearheaded by Leticia Gonzalez, as a tribute and in memory of Mary Betlach, past President of Chevy Chase Estates Garden Club, who was a passionate advocate to save the Monarch Butterfly.

 

The Chevy Chase Estates Garden Club was founded in 1947 and is open to all living in the Chevy Chase Canyon.  The purpose of the Club is to support the conservation of the natural resources within the canyon. At each monthly general meeting, a collection is taken for Dimes for Pines, an association which reforests our local mountains after fires have occurred. Other monetary gifts are given such as the Theodore Payne Association that stresses the importance of planting native trees and plants.  The Club also makes yearly donations to nature-related organizations such as Descanso Gardens and the Arboretum District. Each year, on Arbor Day, the Garden Club donates trees to the City of Glendale in recognition of people who have contributed to our group or have been closely connected with it. If you reside in the Chevy Chase Canyon, the Garden Club is always looking for new members.