Monarch Butterflies Make Comeback in Ohio as Milkweed Planting Efforts Pay Off

The monarch butterfly population in Ohio is making a significant comeback. According to recent data, the number of butterflies has increased by over 230% since last winter, with an estimated 7.24 acres covered this year.

This increase is attributed to the efforts of individuals and landowners who have been planting milkweed species in their gardens and fields. Milkweed plants are essential for monarch caterpillars, as they are the only host plants that allow them to feed and grow.

Among the easily obtained milkweed species are common milkweed and butterfly milkweed, both of which attract a variety of pollinators and other insects.

Naturalist Jim McCormac notes that using multiple milkweed species in a patch can create a diverse environment that supports a wide range of wildlife, including monarchs, milkweed tussock moths, and milkweed beetles.