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Urgent Call to Protect Monarchs: Plant Milkweed!

4/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered powerful strategies to draw monarch butterflies back to urban gardens, highlighting the importance of planting milkweed and nectar-rich flowers. With a staggering 80% decline in their population since the 1990s, largely due to habitat loss and pesticides, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now advocating for their protection under the Endangered Species Act.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered powerful strategies to draw monarch butterflies back to urban gardens, highlighting the importance of planting milkweed and nectar-rich flowers. With a staggering 80% decline in their population since the 1990s, largely due to habitat loss and pesticides, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now advocating for their protection under the Endangered Species Act.