IARN — June 21 wasn’t just the first official day of summer. It also marked the start of Pollinator Week, and Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) members are excited to celebrate the progress of their Monarch Fueling Stations.
Pollinator Week is recognized around the world as a time to celebrate and educate people about pollinators and the vital roles they play in ecosystems everywhere. IRFA members have been planting Monarch Fueling Stations since 2017, and over 48 acres of habitat catered toward monarch butterflies have been planted to date.
“The fact that so many of our members have stepped up to help in the fight to protect Iowa’s pollinators is truly a testament to what biofuels is all about – supporting our communities and protecting our environment,” IRFA Communications Director Cassidy Walter said. “We are especially excited this summer because many of our members’ projects are mature enough now to really show some growth and start providing monarchs and other pollinators the food sources they need.”
At the beginning of a monarch habitat plot, the plants mostly do their growing underground to develop a strong root system. IRFA will share photos and updates from IRFA member projects on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook throughout the week.
The monarch butterfly population has declined in recent years. The IRFA members’ habitat projects are part of a statewide effort led by the Monarch Conservation Consortium to keep the monarch butterfly off the endangered species list.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network
