From butterflies to birds, pollinator plantings are vital
BY NICK SIMONSON
Dakota Edge Outdoors
The combination of this winter’s rise in migrating monarch butterflies – more than 300 million of them as reported in January by WWF Mexico in their annual tally – and the desire for the establishment of diverse habitat on marginal lands which sustain the popular pollinator species along with other watchable wildlife and game species, has spurred interest in plantings that benefit all creatures. While monarchs and honeybees may be at the forefront of the creation of places big and small for pollinators, the re-establishment of plants such as milkweed and other wildflowers in addition to grass plantings is a boon to all wildlife. As a result, the addition of flowering plants is becoming a sought-after conservation option for landowners and sportsmen looking to add to their habitat efforts for upland game.
