Join us as we honor the majestic Eastern Monarch butterfly and promote pollinator conservation efforts throughout our community!
Easter Monarch Day: On March 20, 2021, the Springfield Park District and the Henson Robinson Zoo resolved this day and subsequent anniversaries, thereafter, as the Springfield Park District and Henson Robinson Zoo Eastern Monarch Day! It is a special occasion that honors the awe-inspiring journey of these majestic butterflies as they embark on their incredible spring migration from Mexico to the state of Illinois.
Monarch Mania: At the Springfield Park District, we are proud to join forces with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in their Monarch Mania initiative, aimed at protecting and preserving the precious Monarch butterfly population in Illinois. As stewards of our local environment, we recognize the critical role that Monarchs play in our ecosystem and are committed to preserving their populations for future generations. Through habitat restoration projects and native plantings, we strive to create a welcoming environment for Monarchs and other pollinators within our parks and green spaces. By collaborating with IDNR and other conservation partners, we aim to inspire our community to take action to protect these iconic butterflies and the natural world they inhabit. To learn more about IDNR’s Monarch Mania, please visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/atoz/monarchgen.html
Pollinator Gardens: As part of our commitment to supporting pollinators like Monarch butterflies, the Springfield Park District has established 10 stunning pollinator gardens throughout our parks. These vibrant gardens are not only beautiful to behold but also provide essential habitat and food sources for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Take a stroll through our pollinator gardens and discover the beauty of nature in full bloom! To learn more about where our pollinator gardens are located, please visit springfieldparks.org
Milkweed Giveaway: Don’t forget to save the date to grab your milkweed plants to support Monarch butterflies in May! Milkweed is the primary food source for Monarch caterpillars and is essential for their survival. Help us create more Monarch-friendly habitats throughout Springfield by planting milkweed in your garden. To learn more about the upcoming Milkweed giveaway, visit https://www.facebook.com/sprin...
Join us in celebrating Monarch Mania and Eastern Monarch Day at the Springfield Park District. Together, let’s make a positive impact on butterfly conservation and create a brighter future for Monarchs and other pollinators.