The Butterfly Effect

Butterflies not only pollinate plants, they also help some plants lose leaves prior to fall, prevent other plants from uncontrollable growth and help rid the environment of waste. I don't like to think about this part, but they also provide food for a number of critters. Everything about nature is important in the ripple effect, when one species of plant or animal is displaced, increases vastly in number or becomes critically endangered/extinct; a domino effect occurs and can have devastating consequences. Butterflies are so sensitive, scientist have been able to study environmental problems based on butterfly populations. Temperature changes  and rainfall to loss of habitat all cause changes in butterfly populations, migration patterns and timing. Ecologist can learn from these changes to determine the impact on the environment. A few years ago, my father was out on the land where we have the native grass program and he came upon a tree that was completely covered in Monarch butterflies. He was so amazed at the sight of hundreds of beautiful butterflies just resting on the tree. A sight to behold for sure, but we have barely seen any butterflies since then. This year we hope to learn how to make improvements to help increase the dwindling bee and butterfly population. We are looking for ways to improve not only on the ranches but also at our homes in the suburbs. Butterfly gardens are such a beautiful addition to any yard and they do not have to be big or expensive. Imagine the difference you could make if everybody in your neighborhood planted just one plant to attract butterflies! Here is a simple guide from HGTV , just click the button and get inspired! 

HGTV link