Doing Our Part: Neighbors Protecting the Monarch
Article Courtesy of Kathy English, Julie Brozowski
“If you plant it, they will come.”
Woodside resident Susan Potter, President of the Aiken Butterfly Monarchy Club, is talking about milkweed—the only food source for monarch caterpillars. And right now, monarchs need all the help they can get.
The Eastern Monarch populations have plummeted 80% over the past two decades. These iconic butterflies are vital pollinators for our ecosystems and agriculture, and their decline signals a broader crisis affecting many species. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change are taking their toll.
The solution? It starts in your own backyard.
Milkweed is the key, but it’s not alone. Once mature, milkweed produces beautiful flower clusters that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Pair it with plants like false indigo, sunflowers, purple coneflower or lantana, and you’ve created a haven for monarchs on their long migration journey.
“Our goal is simple,” says Susan. “We want to inspire people to look at their own backyard and see the potential to protect something vital. One small garden with the right plants can mean a big difference for migrating monarchs.”
Potter’s message resonated deeply with Woodside Development, where creating community spaces has always been part of their vision. When the Bristlecone neighborhood in The Reserve was in the planning stages, several residents approached Diana Peters about creating a butterfly sanctuary. Hence, the naming of two streets—Papillon Loop and Chrysalis Bend.
In addition to Susan Potter, other members of the Aiken Butterfly Monarchy Club include Pat Dunlop, Molly French, Tammy Cillo, Linda Vieweg and Jane Hemingway. And their work extends far beyond Woodside. Vice President Pat Dunlop explains the extent of their community outreach.
“We regularly give presentations to garden clubs, schools, and other organizations to share how anyone can attract butterflies to their own space,” says Dunlop. “We want to educate the community on the incredible life cycle of the monarch—and provide them with the tools to help these pollinators thrive.”
While our butterfly sanctuary is a wonderful space for the community, it is truly just the first step in a much larger vision. We would love to see all of our neighbors getting involved to extend this habitat even further. A few milkweed plants in your garden, a corner of native wildflowers, or a pesticide-free patch of yard can become a vital lifeline for monarchs passing through. This spring, plant milkweed. The butterflies will find you.
(While milkweed is famous for being the lifeblood of monarch butterflies, it is definitely not a “health food” for our pets. Pet owners should make sure they stay clear of these plants.)
The Butterfly Monarchy Club is the first and only official chapter of the North American Butterfly Association in South Carolina – known as Central Savannah River Area Chapter (CSRA). For more information, visit thebutterflymonarchyclub.org or email butterflymonarchy@gmail.com.