Reading organization has launched a conservation initiative to restore milkweed—the essential plant for monarch caterpillars—and help reverse the butterfly’s steep population decline
Reading, MA — Reading Rifle and Pistol Club recently planted hundreds of milkweed seeds at their location. The purpose was to help the ailing monarch butterfly population. Due to habitat loss and real estate development across the country, the milkweed plant numbers have dwindled significantly, resulting in a slow but progressive decline in monarch butterfly numbers. Estimates vary slightly but are near a 70% reduction from previous decades.
Milkweed is the exclusive plant used by the monarch caterpillar for food.
The name “milkweed” refers to the milky latex contained within the leaves. Most species of the plant are toxic to other caterpillars and insects if ingested due to the cardenolide alkaloids found in the leaves and stems. But the monarch caterpillars love it and depend on it as its sole food source.
Monarchs have an amazing migration. Starting as far north as Canada, these butterflies will make their way south to Mexico City, where they amass in huge numbers. After spending the winter there, they will return to their summer destinations, which could be your own backyard. There they will lay eggs on the milkweed plant to begin the next generation of caterpillars… as long as milkweed is available.
That’s where Reading Rifle and Pistol helps out. The club has initiated the first of many spots for milkweed production. More will be added next spring. In addition, it is beneficial to the monarchs and insects as a whole to enhance their area with perennial pollinator gardens. The club is in the process of planning other native pollinator plants to ensure the success of this venture.
There are national organizations dedicated to monarch recovery, such as MONARCHWATCH.ORG, MONARCH BUTTERFLY RESOURCES – US FOREST SERVICE, MONARCH BUTTERFLY – NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION, or POLLINATOR.ORG. Resources such as these and others can help educate and motivate people who care about the monarch. The club aspires to be a good neighbor and monarch steward.
The club was founded in 1929, became incorporated in 1935, and is located on more than 50 acres of land in Reading known on maps as part of the Cedar Swamp. Activities, education, and training are the club’s primary focus. Disciplines such as trap and skeet shooting, pistol and rifle marksmanship, and a youth program recognized by the Civilian Marksmanship Program, the CMP, as one of the best are hallmarks of the club. Inquiries can be made by calling (781) 942-1027; return calls are made weekly. Its location is 62 Range Rd, Reading.
